Milan, Italy – Pharmex 2026
During Pharmex 2026, Mr. Yahya Mirzaei, CEO of Parand Darou Pharmaceutical Company, discussed the importance of industrial resilience, continuity of pharmaceutical production, energy challenges, export development, and the strategic role of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in ensuring healthcare security.
Mr. Mirzaei emphasized that pharmaceutical security cannot be achieved during a crisis and must be built before challenging situations emerge. According to him, ensuring medicine availability depends not only on inventory levels but also on maintaining the country’s production capabilities under extraordinary conditions.
“Real pharmaceutical security is achieved when production capacity remains sustainable during crises. Recent experiences have highlighted vulnerabilities across the supply chain, and these challenges must be identified and addressed through strategic planning.”
Maintaining Production Continuity as a Strategic Priority
Regarding Parand Darou’s approach during challenging periods, Mr. Mirzaei stated that the company’s main priority was maintaining production continuity and keeping manufacturing lines operational.
He noted that the ability of a pharmaceutical company to sustain production under abnormal conditions is one of the key indicators of organizational maturity. These experiences have helped Parand Darou strengthen its infrastructure and business continuity strategies.
Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience
Addressing the impact of international restrictions and sanctions, the CEO of Parand Darou explained that challenges extend beyond purchasing limitations and include banking restrictions, financial transfers, logistics barriers, and difficulties in accessing specialized equipment and components.
He highlighted the importance of supply chain diversification and reducing dependence on single-source suppliers to minimize operational risks.
Energy Stability and API Manufacturing Challenges
Mr. Mirzaei pointed out that energy imbalance is a serious concern for API manufacturers due to the chemical processes involved in active pharmaceutical ingredient production.
“Unexpected energy interruptions can lead to production losses and process disruption. Strategic industries must receive appropriate attention in national energy management plans, while manufacturers must also strengthen preventive maintenance and infrastructure resilience.”
Investment in Infrastructure and Sustainable Growth
Over the past year, Parand Darou has focused on strengthening critical infrastructure, including electrical systems, utilities, water systems, and information technology infrastructure, with the goal of reducing production risks.
Mr. Mirzaei emphasized that every investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing should contribute to three key objectives:
- Sustainable production continuity
- Reduction of operational risks
- Creation of capacity for future development
The Strategic Role of Domestic API Production
The CEO of Parand Darou underlined that active pharmaceutical ingredients represent a strategic component of healthcare security.
“Producing finished medicines domestically while remaining dependent on imported APIs does not fully secure the pharmaceutical supply chain. The future requires a resilient ecosystem including API manufacturing, chemical intermediates, technology development, and domestic capabilities.”
Elifra Pilot Cultivation Project: A Step Toward Supply Security
Mr. Mirzaei also referred to Parand Darou’s Elifra poppy pilot cultivation project, explaining that the initiative is being pursued within legal and controlled frameworks to support the domestic supply of opioid-related raw materials used in pain management therapies.
He described the project as a scientific and phased approach aimed at reducing external supply risks and developing reliable domestic sources.
Product Development and Export Expansion Strategy
Regarding future product development, Mr. Mirzaei stated that Parand Darou’s strategy is focused on expanding and completing its pharmaceutical portfolio based on market demand, technological advantages, supply chain security, and economic feasibility.
He also emphasized that exports are essential for achieving production scale and supporting investment in advanced technologies.
“Moving from occasional exports toward sustainable international market presence is one of our strategic goals. By strengthening cooperation across chemical, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical sectors, the region’s market opportunities can be expanded.”
Financial Performance and Sustainable Development
According to Mr. Mirzaei, despite production challenges and increased costs caused by external limitations, Parand Darou has continued its development plans.
Based on internal company reports, domestic sales during the reviewed one-year period increased by approximately 210% compared with the previous period. He added that export performance remained positive despite limitations related to narcotic raw material supply.
He emphasized that evaluating a manufacturing company requires more than sales figures, noting that profitability, cash flow management, working capital, asset efficiency, and reinvestment capability are equally important indicators.
“Our goal is not growth at any cost; our focus is sustainable and repeatable growth.”
Capital Market Entry and Corporate Governance Development
Mr. Mirzaei explained that entering the capital market is not only a financing strategy but also a step toward improving transparency, corporate governance, and reporting systems.
“Parand Darou aims to build an organization based on systems and corporate governance, where sustainable development is driven by strong structures rather than individuals.”
Pharmex 2026: A Platform for Future Pharmaceutical Development
Commenting on the role of Pharmex 2026, Mr. Mirzaei stated that such exhibitions should go beyond product presentation and become platforms for discussing resilient industrial development.
He emphasized the importance of closer cooperation between manufacturers, universities, and policymakers to support technology development, investment, and supply chain strengthening.
Final Message: Keeping Pharmaceutical Production Sustainable
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Mirzaei stated:
“Pharmaceutical security cannot be created during a crisis; it must be built before a crisis occurs. Every production line that remains active, every high-quality API manufactured domestically, and every infrastructure investment that prevents factory shutdowns contributes to national healthcare security.”
He added that Parand Darou remains committed to sustainable production, product development, supply chain strengthening, and building an organization capable of maintaining operations under the most challenging conditions.
