DOST funds 3D bioprinting project in Western Visayas

Iloilo City — Pursuing the initiative to level-up the innovation capacity of Filipino-owned companies while at the same time promoting industry-based research and development (R&D), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Pharma GalenX Innovations Inc. sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the project, “Development of a Three-Dimensional Bioprinted Human Skin Equivalent for In Vitro Biocompatibility Studies of Tropical Formulations” on March 7. The approved funding support for the project will be provided through DOST’s Business Innovation through Science and Technology for Industry (BIST) Program.

R&D and acquisition of new technologies will stimulate business innovation, facilitate growth, and improve production efficiency. BIST program is designed to assist Filipino-owned companies to innovate and develop competitiveness and adapt to global changes. The business innovation program is part of DOST’s Accelerated R&D Program for Capacity Building of R&D Institutions and Industrial Competitiveness under the Science for Change Program. It covers up to 70 percent of the total eligible cost of the needed technology at zero percent interest.

The MOA was duly signed by Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) Executive Director Jaime C. Montoya, Pharma GalenX Innovations Inc. President Jan Vincent N. Sollesta, and DOST VI Regional Director Engr. Rowen R. Gelonga.

Pharma GalenX Innovations Inc. is a pharmaceutical company that aims to provide innovative healthcare remedies that are safe and effective. It continues to evolve as a therapeutic innovator producing efficient premium quality brands. The company is the second beneficiary of the DOST BIST Program in Western Visayas following Herbanext Laboratories, Inc. in Bago City, Negros Occidental. (NABFactuar/SSalazar,DOST VI-KMU)