In recent years, the herbal drug industry has emerged as a key driver of knowledge-based economic development.
Introduction
In recent years, the herbal drug industry has emerged as a key driver of knowledge-based economic development. Iran, with its rich biodiversity and ancient heritage in traditional medicine, holds vast potential for producing plant-based therapeutic products. However, one of the major barriers to the advancement of this sector is the reliance on imported formulations and the limited availability of localized scientific expertise. Formulation localization is a critical step toward pharmaceutical self-sufficiency, improving product quality, and boosting competitiveness in regional and global markets.
The Role of Formulation in Herbal Drug Effectiveness
Pharmaceutical formulation is a complex process that transforms raw plant materials into stable, effective dosage forms. This includes the selection of active compounds, carriers, extraction methods, stabilization, controlled release mechanisms, and ultimately, clinical evaluation. While relying on ready-made foreign formulations may seem beneficial in the short term, it hinders scientific independence, reduces innovation, and limits the ability to meet the specific needs of local patients.
Benefits of Localization of Formulation Knowledge
The primary benefit of developing indigenous formulation knowledge lies in its adaptability to local ecological conditions, the diversity of Iranian medicinal plants, and population-specific health profiles. Localized R&D efforts enable universities and knowledge-based companies to build internal capacity. This approach contributes to pharmaceutical self-sufficiency, reduces reliance on imports, and supports the export of high-quality Iranian herbal products.
The Role of Accelerators and Innovation Centers
Specialized accelerators and innovation centers have become crucial players in supporting research teams and startups in the herbal drug sector. These institutions provide laboratory infrastructure, scientific consulting, formulation services, and regulatory support to help innovators develop market-ready products with localized formulation strategies.
Challenges and Strategic Solutions
Challenges in this domain include limited financial resources, lack of access to clinical data, and shortages of skilled professionals in areas such as phytochemistry, pharmaceutical technology, and biopharmaceuticals. Overcoming these barriers requires targeted investment in R&D, creation of centralized scientific data banks, and enhanced collaboration between academia, industry, and government. Alignment with international standards like GMP and ICH is also essential for global competitiveness.
Conclusion
Localizing formulation knowledge in the herbal drug industry is not just a pathway to reducing dependency—it’s a strategic move to elevate Iran’s position in the global natural medicine market. Through greater investment in research, empowering academic and industrial partnerships, and fostering innovation, a strong foundation can be built for sustainable development in this field.
