Turkey Produced Parathyroid Hormone for the First Time Domestically and Nationally

For the first time in Turkey, biosimilar parathormone was produced domestically and nationally. This hormone, on which our country spends about 16 million Turkish Lira each year, is necessary for parathyroid hormone deficiencies, especially for osteoporosis, bone and cartilage abrasions, and fractures that do not heal, which develops postmenopausal period in women. This hormone, which is sold for about $ 3.200 per box in the world, is a replica of the natural parathormone in the body because it is biosimilar.

In consequence of a 5 million TL investment and two years of hard work by a crowded team led by Yeditepe University Faculty Members of Prof. Dr Fikrettin Şahin, Prof. Dr Erhan Ayşan, Asst. Prof. Emrah Nikerel, biosimilar parathormone production was realized for the first time in Turkey. The hormone has reached its final stage in the production phase and is expected to be on the shelves after the licensing process.

“We Experıence The Pride Of Producing For The First Time In Turkey” 

Prof. Dr Erhan Ayşen, stating that they have experienced the pride of producing biosimilar parathormone for the first time in Turkey, explained the importance of this development as follows: “I want to say with joy on behalf of my country that we have produced Turkey's first parathormone at Yeditepe University. This is a process that has not happened in our country until now. This hormone is in the biosimilar drug category. Biosimilar drug means that it is the same as the real one. At the present time, biosimilar drugs are very popular. Currently, biosimilar drugs compose about 20% of all drugs. That rate is projected to rise to 70% by 2025. The parathormone which we have produced is a biosimilar drug. We are happy because, after a two-year R&D study, we have produced a hormone that will be beneficial to people and significantly reduce the drug expenses of our country."

“The World Is Now Headed Towards Biotechnological Drugs”

Yeditepe University Head of Genetics and Bioengineering Department, Prof.Dr. Dr Fikrettin Şahin, stating that the world is headed from synthetic drugs to biotechnological drugs, said, "In order to produce it, there is a need of experience, trained scientists, R&D laboratories, and production infrastructure in pilot plants that will turn the products from these laboratories into products for end-users, and we have all of them." Asst. Prof. Emrah Nikerel added that “in biotechnological drugs, the path from the idea to the product on the shelf requires not only genetic studies but also engineering approaches during the production phase. It is very important to have this vision and technical equipment at our university.”

“A Significant Proportion Of Women Who Have Entered Menopause Need Parathormone”

Prof. Dr Erhan Ayşan, stating that parathormone can be used for osteoporosis seen in women who have entered menopause, said, “The main areas of usage are those who suffer from parathormone deficiency. Other important populations are bone joint patients; osteoporosis, especially osteoarthritis, arthrosis, which are commonly seen in older women. Approximately half of the population is women. The number of women entering menopause has increased as the average human lifespan has been extended. Every woman entering menopause are experiencing certain levels of osteoporosis. The most effective known drug in women who require treatment is the administration of biosimilar parathormone. However, both in Turkey and in the world, this drug is not used adequately as it is very expensive. When we produce it 100% domestically and nationally and put it on pharmacy shelves, the price will be much more accessible, and our country will not have to import it from abroad.”

“It Will Make A Serious Contribution To The Economy Of Our Country”

Yeditepe University Hospital General Surgery specialist, Prof. Dr Erhan Aysen, indicating that about 30% of the drugs brought by Turkey from abroad are biosimilar drugs, said, “30% seems like a low rate, but we pay the most foreign currency for these drugs. Whereas the cost of a one-kilogram chemical drug is only $17, the cost of one kilogram of the biosimilar to Turkey is $ 1 million. Therefore, when this hormone starts to be produced in our country, it will make a serious contribution to the economy.”

What Is Biosimilar Drug?

Prof. Dr Erhan Ayşan explained what the biosimilar parathormone is as follows: “This is an exact replica of the parathormone that exists in our bodies. Instead of trying to solve the problems that arise in the deficiency of the hormone with many different chemical drugs, it is provided to be solved in the most natural way with the exact replica of the hormone. For example, if your calcium level is low, you need parathormone. If you do not have parathormone, you need to take calcium from outside. When you take calcium, there may be many problems such as stone formation in the kidneys, ulcer formation in the stomach, deterioration in bowel movements, and osteoporosis. However, these are not experienced when taking biosimilar parathormone. Just natural hormones are taken.”

“It Is Important That Medical Products Be Domesti And National”

Yeditepe University Head of Genetics and Bioengineering Department, Prof. Dr Fikrettin Şahin, stating that more than 20 different drugs should be used to create the effect of parathormone, said, “In the case of insufficiency of parathyroid hormone, the background of many diseases is formed in the endocrinological system. If you are using biosimilar parathormone, you do not need to use these chemical drugs. The health sector is one of the priority sectors, just like defence and energy. Domestic and national production of products in these sectors is very important for the international interests of our country. We have demonstrated with this product that we are an institution that makes important contributions to the domestic and national production.”