26 Turkish consortiums apply to develop locally produced drugs (December 04,2013).

Science and Technology Minister Nihat Ergün has said 26 consortiums have applied to the ministry to take part in developing Turkey\'s first domestically made pharmaceuticals for cancer and kidney patients. "Biotechnological drugs are starting to take center stage in the medical field and will be very significant in the next 10 to 20 years. These biotechnological drugs which will be developed in Turkey will target diseases related to cancer, kidney failure, diabetes, hepatitis and hormone production," he said. According to Ergün, the number of applicants to domestically produce drugs has exceeded expectations and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) will provide 100 percent support in the project. He further said almost all of the pharmaceuticals produced in Turkey are generic brands which cover 49 percent of the country\'s medication needs, while 51 percent of medication in the market is imported. 

Source : Today\'s Zaman