The Vital Role of Active Ingredients in the Quality, Price, and Accessibility of Medicines

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) play a fundamental role in the pharmaceutical industry. These active compounds are not only the main factor in the therapeutic effect of medicines but also directly influence three key components of every drug: quality, price, and accessibility.

The final quality of a medicine is directly related to the quality of the API used in it. APIs produced in accordance with international standards offer greater solubility, stability, absorption, and effectiveness. In contrast, the use of low-quality materials can reduce therapeutic efficiency, cause side effects, and even lead to treatment failure.

On the other hand, the cost of producing APIs accounts for a significant portion of the total cost of medicines. Currently, China and India are recognized as the largest producers of APIs worldwide, supplying a large share of global demand. Heavy reliance on imports from these countries makes the pharmaceutical industries of developing nations vulnerable to price fluctuations, transportation issues, and sanctions.

Independence in API production is the key to sustaining the pharmaceutical industry and ensuring patients’ continuous access to essential medicines.

In terms of access to medicines, domestic production of APIs can significantly reduce the time required for supply and distribution. Furthermore, during crises such as pandemics or international trade restrictions, access to domestic API resources becomes a competitive advantage for any country.

Avan Bahman Chemi, by leveraging modern technologies, specialized human resources, and advanced research infrastructure, has taken significant steps toward domestic API production. Our goal is to reduce dependence on imports, enhance the quality of locally produced medicines, and support resilient economic policies in the health sector.