Iranian technology ecosystem has moved to the frontier of those combating the novel coronavirus, by working on treatment and vaccination, the vice president for science and technology said.
Speaking to a local broadcasting channel on Sunday, Sorena Sattari said Iranian knowledge-based companies have forged six research and development agreements with academic and research centers, as well as the vice presidential office to produce an effective COVID-19 vaccine.
“Iran has never been among the countries producing vaccines,” he said. But thanks to the significant development of technology ecosystem in Iran, tech firms and researchers today have started working on it.
Over 76 treatment projects have been devised by Iranian medical specialists and researchers, the efficiency of which are currently being examined in laboratories.
“As soon as the treatment strategies are scientifically approved and certified by the Health Ministry, they will be clinically applicable,” he said.
Last week, Sattari elaborated on the latest achievements of knowledge-based companies and startups working in different medical fields.
He said several studies have been conducted on the nature of COVID-19 in collaboration with the academia and tech firms to help develop health protective products.
“Fortunately, these endeavors have paid off, as different types of coronavirus test kits, which work with blood samples and saliva, have been successfully mass-produced by domestic tech firms. This can help test several million people per week,” he said.
Sattari noted that hospitals are not facing any shortage of devices, including CT Scan devices, ventilators, ICU and surgery room equipment, oxygen concentrators and BiPAP machines.
“Surgical and N95 facemasks are being produced in the country and soon 40 new production lines will be added to the current capacity,” he said.
The vice president said the government’s huge investment in the development of knowledge-based companies has paid off, as tech-based businesses are contributing considerably to the country’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic.