USJ and UBL Cell (USJ tech transfer) commercialize its first research-based invention
The University of Sri Jayewardenepura (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. 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 “Sudarshana Suspension” 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 Sri Lanka for more than 35 years, the drug will be brought to market and soon be available for use by the general public. The USJ Tech Transfer 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’s Office of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. 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; “It’s 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.”
UBL Cell Director Dr. Priyan Perera was equally positive about the launch, saying “To go from the research stage to actual commercialization is a great milestone for the UBL, we couldn’t be more delighted with our first successful commercialization partnership which has helped to launch this product and we’re hoping it’s the first of many more revolutionary products that we can bring to the market”
Traditional medicines play a significant role in health care globally but have an even more special place in Sri Lankan 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 “Sudarshana Suspension” is a herbal ayurvedic drug with zero side effects, 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 “Sudarshana Suspension” represents another step forward in the direction of commercializing new products and inventions by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura 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.
