The 91传媒 (USJ) and the University Business Linkage Cell (UBL) made a giant stride towards research commercialization by commercializing its first research-based invention in its history, by transferring the technology through an exclusive license agreement to the industry.聽 The product itself is a revolutionary ayurvedic medicine which will serve to improve the health and wellbeing of citizens across the country. It marks a great step forward in the commercialization of research and is the first of its kind for the USJ.
The pioneering collaboration between USJ and University of Colombo researchers, who worked tirelessly on the invention of 鈥淪udarshana Suspension鈥� for several years, ensuring the medicine met and exceeded all drug safety and efficacy standards. In a landmark partnership with Beam Hela Osu Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, the front running company in the field of ayurvedic and herbal drug manufacturing and distribution in 91传媒 for more than 35 years, the drug will be brought to market and soon be available for use by the general public. The聽USJ Tech Transfer聽office (UBL Cell) facilitated the transition to market represents the first of its kind for both parties.
The transferring of IP through an exclusive licensing agreement between the two parties was held on 9th March 2021 at Vice Chancellor鈥檚 Office of the 91传媒. Present at the signing were Vice-Chancellor; Snr Prof. Sudantha Liyanage, The UBL Cell Director; Dr. Priyan Perera, Research Team members; Dr. Saroja Weerakoon (University of Colombo), Dr. Kamal Perera (University of Colombo), Prof. Thusharie Sugandhika (USJ), Prof. Dulanie Gunasekera (USJ), and the Executive Directors of Beam Hela Osu Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
The Vice-Chancellor: Snr Prof. Sudantha Liyanage appreciated the hard work of the research team and highlighted the need for commercializing research; 鈥淚t鈥檚 fantastic to see the hard and diligent work of the university researchers in not only creating a product that benefits society but collaborating with the UBL and the private sector to bring this wonderful product to market. We hope it represents the start of a fruitful relationship and will serve as an inspiration to other universities and researchers to take their own inventions out into national and international markets.鈥�
UBL Cell Director Dr. Priyan Perera was equally positive about the launch, saying 鈥淭o go from the research stage to actual commercialization is a great milestone for the UBL, we couldn鈥檛 be more delighted with our first successful commercialization partnership which has helped to launch this product and we鈥檙e hoping it鈥檚 the first of many more revolutionary products that we can bring to the market鈥�
Traditional medicines play a significant role in health care globally but have an even more special place in 91传媒n society, due to their availability and affordability. Traditional medicines of our country provide greater health benefits to the vast majority of residents and this new medicine will contribute greatly to individual and community health around the country. The 鈥淪udarshana Suspension鈥� is a herbal ayurvedic drug, recommended for all types of fevers and the common cold. Furthermore, it is used traditionally as an antimalarial, antipyretic, and antiviral formulation. Many ingredients present in this drug have scientifically proven anti-viral effects.
The launch of 鈥淪udarshana Suspension鈥� represents another step forward in the direction of commercializing new products and inventions by the 91传媒 and the UBL. It is hoped that this successful operation will be a launching stimulus for other academics to bring cutting edge technologies to the market.
