Text by: Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by: TTBDO and Joseph A. Bautista

The University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (TTBDO) showcased UP Manila’s medical research breakthroughs and technological innovation at the First Philippine Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Expo held on February 14 to 16, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The three-day event served as a valuable platform for professionals to stay abreast of the latest trends in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries from around the world.

UPM’s renowned experts and researchers from various departments presented cutting-edge technologies and solutions aimed at revolutionizing the healthcare industry:

• Dr. Rafael C. Bundoc, Chairperson of the Department of Anatomy, UP College of Medicine (CM) presented the following inventions: Bundoc Ergonomic Surgical Rongeur; DISSECT, or the Dissection In-Situ Submersible Ergonomic Cadaver Table; and MOViES, or Mobile Operational Video Educational System.
• Rafael Joshua De Guzman, UPM – National Institutes of Health (NIH) Institute of Human Genetics Senior Research Associate, discussed his innovative work on “Predicting Complications for Leptospirosis.”
• Prof. Maria Eliza R. Aguila, Dean of the UP Manila College of Allied Medical Professions, gave a presentation on AXEL Virtual Care: Immersive gamification technology system for cognitive and motor disabilities.
• Dr. Ailyn M. Yabes, UPCM Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Associate Professor, presented the ETox Point of Care Testing Device.
• Dr. Miguel Sandino O. Aljibe, UP Surgical Innovation and Biotechnology Laboratory (UP SIBOL) Program Manager, discussed the UP Surgical Innovations & Biotechnology Laboratory, or UP SIBOL’s functions and programs.
• Dr. Cecilia Nelia C. Maramba-Lazarte, NIH – Institute of Herbal Medicine (IHM) Director, presented the Akapulco Lotion for fungal skin infections.
• Asst. Prof. Daisy-Mae A. Bagaoisan, NIH-IHM Research Assistant Professor, presented the Ulasimang Bato for hyperuricemia.
• Dr. Jaime M. Purificacion, NIH-IHM Research Assistant Professor, discussed Yerba Buena as an analgesic.
• Dr. Jade P. Rodriguez, NIH-IHM Science Research Specialist, presented the Tsaang Gubat for abdominal pain.
• Dr. Emmanuel P. Estrella, researcher at the NIH – Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, presented the HyPer-UV: Hydrogen peroxide-UV Disinfection Device.
• Dr. Salvador Eugenio C. Caoili, Professor in the UPCM – Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, presented the Biomedical Innovations Research for Translational Health Science Laboratory.

The Expo, organized by UniGlobal and ACE Group and in partnership with the ASEAN India Business Council, gathered participants from various sectors in Southeast Asia, and presented a significant opportunity for networking, business opportunities, and international partnerships among the 150 exhibitors from countries like India, Indonesia, South Korea, the US, and Vietnam.

Dr. Luis Ramon Rodriguez, President of the Medical Device Association of the Philippines (MDAP), expressed optimism about the potential of the Philippines to manufacture its own medical products and devices. He highlighted the participation of UPM and acknowledged TTBDO for having over 110 locally and Filipino-made patents. He emphasized the importance of the academe’s role in innovating and creating opportunities for local industries.

Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, during the event, said that the Philippines aims to attain high middle-income status by 2025, as it is currently marked as the fastest-growing economy in the ASEAN region. Despite economic progress, he said our health indices reflect a low-income country, which also indicates a need for the government to increase its investments on healthcare.

“I am tasked with developing the country’s healthcare industry quickly by making equipment and medicines more affordable, something that India did decades ago. We are now realizing the need to do this,” asserted Dr. Herbosa.

He outlined plans to create pharmaceutical zones and invite international companies to manufacture drugs, medical equipment, and devices within these zones. Dr. Herbosa also shared the government’s commitment to building 179 specialty centers, including heart centers, kidney centers, cancer centers, and more.

Meanwhile, TTBDO Director Dr. Lourdes Marie S. Tejero highlighted their accomplishments, which include 110 active case disclosures, 209 intellectual property rights (IP), 12 granted patents, 45 registered utility models, 11 registered trademarks, and 84 registered copyrights. The successful commercialization of 21 IP rights, spanning medical services, diagnostics, therapeutics, and digital health solutions, includes products such as Ampalaya Tablet, Tsaang Gubat Tablet, Ulasimang Bato Tablet, Guava Ointment, Tsaang Gubat Syrup, Leptospirosis Prognosticator (2), Mosquito Repellent, Anti Diabetes Formulation, Lupus Genetic Markers, Ergonomic Surgical Rongeur, and the Anti-HIV Herbal Composition.

She said that TTBDO holds 21 commercialized intellectual property rights, 10 successfully commercialized technologies, and maintains 35 active agreements with various companies. Fifteen active licensees, primarily in herbal medicines and pharmaceutical drugs, contribute to the success of these ventures. Notable among the 10 commercialized technologies are Lagundi syrup, Lagundi tablet, Sambong Tablet, Tsaang Gubat Tablet, Ulasimang Bato Tablet, Yerba Buena Tablet, Biomarkers For Cardiovascular Diseases, Prone Pillow, Community Health Information Tracking System (C.H.I.T.S.), and eMED (primary care electronic medical records).

These achievements merited TTBDO the IPOPHIL’s PLATINUM AWARD, recognizing it as an Innovation & Technology Support Office (ITSO) for four consecutive years: 2020, 2021, 2022, & 2023.