Innovative formulation by SOA researchers approved for market launch

Bhubaneswar, Oct 18: Researchers at Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University (SOA) have developed an innovative economic formulation poised for commercial production, following a technology licensing agreement signed with the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) last year. The agreement for the ‘Re-Dispersible Mucoadhesive Gargle Composition’ was finalized with Gujarat-based Suyaash Pharmaceuticals on Friday, with SOA Vice-Chancellor Prof. Pradipta Kumar Nanda in attendance.

This groundbreaking formulation was created by a research team led by Prof. Goutam Rath from the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (SPS). Prof. Rath highlighted that this marks the first instance of a formulation developed by researchers in Odisha being prepared for commercial production.

A two-day training and demonstration session was organized for Suyaash Pharmaceuticals' representatives, including Director Raju Sharadchandra Shah and CEO Kapil Shah, along with NRDC representative Amitabh Mishra.

Prof. Rath explained that traditional gargle medicines typically provide relief for only 15 to 30 minutes, necessitating multiple doses. However, their new redispersible mucoadhesive extended-release gargle formulation can deliver effects for up to four hours with a single application, thus enhancing drug efficacy and reducing the frequency of use.

Raju Sharadchandra Shah expressed interest in the nanofiber-based technology developed by SOA's research team, noting its potential to significantly improve patient outcomes globally by allowing higher doses in single administrations and reducing the risk of drug resistance. Amitabh Mishra also provided insights on optimizing the production process for commercial scalability.

SOA has previously transferred three other pharmaceutical technologies developed at SPS to NRDC, known for promoting the large-scale production and marketing of innovative technologies from various sectors. Prof. Rath's research team included Prof. Goutam Ghosh, Dr. Biswakanth Kar, Dr. Vinit Kumar Rai, Jitu Halder, and Deepak Pradhan.

SOA Founder President Prof. (Dr.) Manojranjan Nayak expressed strong support for developing new formulations and strengthening technology transfers to pharmaceutical industries via NRDC, while Prof. S.C. Si, Dean of SPS, congratulated the research team on this significant achievement.