Journal of Advanced Biomedical Sciences
JABS
Wed, Aug 26, 2026
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Volume 16, Issue 2 (3-2026)
J Adv Biomed Sci. 2026, 16(2): 94-96 |
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Farjam M, Pezeshki B, Fereydouni N. Anti-Obesity Pharmacotherapy: Closing the Access Gap Through Local Manufacturing. J Adv Biomed Sci. 2026; 16 (2) :94-96
URL: http://jabs.fums.ac.ir/article-1-3221-en.html
URL: http://jabs.fums.ac.ir/article-1-3221-en.html
1- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
2- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran & Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
3- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran & Clinical Research Development Unit, Valiasr Hospital, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran ,narges.fereydouni2020@gmail.com
2- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran & Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
3- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran & Clinical Research Development Unit, Valiasr Hospital, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran ,
Abstract: (1320 Views)
The global obesity epidemic, affecting approximately 890 million adults, has catalyzed substantial advances in pharmacological management. Contemporary anti-obesity medications, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, dual GLP-1/GIP agonists, lipase inhibitors, and combination neurochemical modulators, can achieve weight reductions ranging from 5% to 22%, thereby approaching outcomes that were previously attainable only through bariatric surgery. Notwithstanding these therapeutic gains, a pronounced gap persists between clinical capability and real-world accessibility, as many of these novel agents remain prohibitively expensive or unavailable across large regions.
Within this context, Iran’s pharmaceutical sector has demonstrated notable progress in the domestic production of several anti-obesity medications, including orlistat, marketed under more than 15 local brands, as well as metformin, liraglutide (Melitide, Maciza, Vikitide), tirzepatide (Spartina), and naltrexone/bupropion combinations (Lipoxon, Fandex). These developments have substantially enhanced treatment accessibility despite import restrictions and persistent cost barriers. However, rigorous head-to-head clinical trials comparing domestically manufactured products with their reference counterparts, alongside systematic post-marketing surveillance, remain indispensable for establishing long-term safety and therapeutic equivalence. In this regard, Iran’s experience delineates a viable model for expanding global access to obesity pharmacotherapy through localized manufacturing, with significant implications for health equity.
Within this context, Iran’s pharmaceutical sector has demonstrated notable progress in the domestic production of several anti-obesity medications, including orlistat, marketed under more than 15 local brands, as well as metformin, liraglutide (Melitide, Maciza, Vikitide), tirzepatide (Spartina), and naltrexone/bupropion combinations (Lipoxon, Fandex). These developments have substantially enhanced treatment accessibility despite import restrictions and persistent cost barriers. However, rigorous head-to-head clinical trials comparing domestically manufactured products with their reference counterparts, alongside systematic post-marketing surveillance, remain indispensable for establishing long-term safety and therapeutic equivalence. In this regard, Iran’s experience delineates a viable model for expanding global access to obesity pharmacotherapy through localized manufacturing, with significant implications for health equity.
Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
Pharmacology
Received: 2026/02/21 | Revised: 2026/08/10 | Accepted: 2026/03/11 | Published: 2026/03/11
Received: 2026/02/21 | Revised: 2026/08/10 | Accepted: 2026/03/11 | Published: 2026/03/11
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons — Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)