Dr. Seyed Mehdi Sajadi: Pharmex 2026 — A Symbol of Hope, Resilience, and Progress for Iran’s Pharmaceutical Industry
A member of the Board of Directors of the Syndicate of Pharmaceutical, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Packaging Manufacturers, referring to the upcoming 8th Middle East International Pharmex Exhibition in 2026, described the event as a symbol of hope, efforts toward self-sufficiency, and development in Iran’s pharmaceutical industry. He also emphasized the importance of using the exhibition as an opportunity for direct dialogue between industry stakeholders and policymakers.
Dr. Seyed Mehdi Sajadi, speaking about the role and significance of the 8th edition of Pharmex, stated: “Pharmex, as one of the largest events in Iran’s pharmaceutical industry, will be held in 2026 under post-war conditions and following the events we have experienced since last year. The very organization of such a major event can serve as a symbol of hope and a commitment to moving forward, achieving greater self-sufficiency, and advancing the development of the country’s pharmaceutical industry.”
He added: “As a producer of pharmaceutical raw materials, Iran has the potential to become one of the leading countries in this sector after China and India. We know that this industry is so strategically important that it is regarded as a key component in completing the pharmaceutical supply chain.”
Resilience of the Pharmaceutical Industry During Times of Crisis
Sajadi identified the resilience and endurance of the national pharmaceutical industry as one of the key topics of the upcoming Pharmex exhibition, stating: “Throughout this period—from the 12-day war last year to the war that began in Esfand—we witnessed the pharmaceutical industry continuing its operations around the clock. Without any interruption in production, the industry continued to support the country’s pharmaceutical management efforts and meet the medication needs of the population.”
He continued: “Thankfully, no major disruption occurred in this regard. We should also acknowledge the effective policies adopted by the Ministry of Health and the Food and Drug Administration, as well as the special measures taken to maintain strategic pharmaceutical reserves. These measures significantly strengthened the industry’s resilience.”
Pharmex: An Opportunity for Direct Dialogue Between Industry and Policymakers
He added: “Pharmex has always provided an opportunity to raise industry concerns during multi-stakeholder meetings and direct discussions with relevant authorities, including officials from the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, the Ministry of Health, and the Food and Drug Administration.”
Sajadi identified foreign exchange policies and the need for policy stability as among the most significant challenges facing the industry. He stated: “Perhaps one of the most important challenges is related to foreign exchange policies and their stability, as well as pricing policies, quality standards, and the transportation and transfer of goods. Given the circumstances we are currently facing, these issues have become some of the industry’s primary challenges.”
The Need to Modernize and Upgrade the Industry After the Crisis
Sajadi further emphasized the need for the pharmaceutical industry to move beyond the current crisis and toward modernization, stating: “Conditions must be created so that, after overcoming this period of crisis and the post-war phase, the pharmaceutical industry can undergo modernization and upgrading, adopt state-of-the-art equipment, and produce high-quality pharmaceutical raw materials for the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.”