January 30, 2022  —  As part of UP Manila’s celebration of Science and Technology Week 2021, the Technology Transfer and Business Development Office  held the Salinlohiya forum with the theme, “Technology Transfer as a Catalyst in Advancing Research and Innovation”.

The forum tackled the journeys of the researchers and recognized their efforts and contributions in advancing knowledge and technology transfer through their successful Intellectual Property applications.

 In opening the forum, Vice Chancellor for Research Dr. Armando Crisostomo emphasized that heroism takes many forms and may be seen  in the less visible people such as the faculty and staff who use Ideas, Ingenuity, Inventions, and Innovations as their weapons to combat the pandemic and other diseases  .

“We take pride in the UPM community that swiftly put their act together in solidarity with the government and other organizations and sectors to craft an integrated and science-based response during the almost two years of the pandemic,” stated Chancellor Carmencita Padilla. UP Manila has been conducting high impact research in the field of biomedical devices, diagnostics, pharmaceutical interventions, adjunct therapies,  digital solutions, and participating  in worldwide solidarity trials. The university has also been deeply and widely engaged in studies on other pressing and relevant health issues and problems.

IP, Technology Transfer, and Patent

 Atty Rowanie A. Nakan, discussed the fundamentals and importance of IP valuation in technology transfer. She maintained that IP, as an intangible asset, is considered  a right defined and protected under  the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines and should be treated like other tangible properties.  

IP valuation is a tool  used to facilitate successful technology transfer. The valuation report is a good starting point in evaluating the terms of a proposed licensing agreement, whether said terms are fair to the research and the development institute or the government funding agency.

Cheryl Mccaffery, mentor of World Intellectual Property Organization, discussed the patent as a grant of rights from the government to the  countries. “You cannot have a patent if you’re just reinventing the wheel, it must be novel,” said Ms. Mccaffery as she reminded the researchers to not forget to search patent and scientific literature  to make sure that what they think is their  invention has not already been invented.

University of Toronto Prof. Cynthia Goh tackled the entrepreneurial  nature of the Filipinos but lamented that 83% of these entrepreneurs don’t generate new value and, therefore, have less chance of it growing bigger and creating more jobs. “A patent is the beginning, it strengthens your position but if you don’t convert it to anything, it’s not worth anything,” she emphasized.

Researcher Journeys

In the panel discussion, three researchers shared their journeys from research to invention. Dr. Maria Antonia E. Habana, UPCM professor in obstetrics and gynecology and clinical professor in clinical epidemiology,  recounted the story that spurred the creation of a customized prone pillow for pregnant and other plus size patients  with COVID-19  infection.  It was very difficult to use ordinary pillows to put her six-month pregnant patient with COVID  in the prone position and at the same time, it became difficult to monitor the fetal heart tones and uterine contractions.

“We felt as clinicians we can do so much more,” rued Dr. Habana as she lamented the the loss of both the patient and her child and this was when she contemplated designing a pillow with the needed specifications.

NIH research faculty Dr. Jose B. Nevado Jr. had hoped for a way to predict the outcomes of leptospirosis patients. Using microarray technology, he developed the prognosticator markers that can predict the occurrence of complications and death in leptospirosis.

Philippine Eye Research Institute Director Dr. Leo Cubillan, shared that patient access to eye care, especially in the rural areas, is difficult and results to blindness due to delayed treatment. Using PERI’s ocular pharmacology laboratory, his team formulated an anti-infective ophthalmic solution with a broader spectrum coverage.

Charmaine Lingdas