Introduction:

The Pilot Biotechnology Department of Pasteur Institute of Iran was established in 1996 and is one the newly established departments which its aim is to conduct research projects and produce biological products in laboratory and pilot scale and to transform the technology of pilot projects to industry and large scale production. This department performs and conducts researches in compliance with the needs of institute and also conducts joint-projects with other research centers. In fact the main aim and objective of Pilot Biotechnology Department is to perform basic, fundamental and applied research on preparation, production, qualitative and quantitative optimization of biological products and cooperation in conducting student’s thesis (students of Pasteur Institute of Iran or other research centers and universities). Since then, the Department has rapidly grown with regards to research activities as well as facilities. One of the most important projects of this department is the production of morphine and other narcotic drugs vaccine.