Biosimilars in treatment of multiple sclerosis in Iran

Abstract

Background: Biological drugs are manufactured via some changes made to the living organisms by genetic engineering. Notably, biological drugs are very expensive and their importation can impose economic pressure, especially on poorer countries. Thereafter, manufacturing these drugs has been considered by policymakers in many countries, resulting in the production of biosimilars. Iran requires a wide range of biological drugs due to the growing number of patients with multiple sclerosis. On the other hand, the poor economic situation of Iran due to repeated sanctions has had a great impact on the health care system, which has prevented the allocation of sufficient financial resources in this regard. Therefore, manufacturing biosimilar drugs due to their lower cost has received much attention in various fields of treatment.