UP Manila seeks partners to commercialize 'game changer' ampalaya tablet. Photo from Pexels 

MANILA — The University of the Philippines Manila is seeking partners to commercialize and market its ampalaya medicine tablet, developed after years of clinical trials and found to be a promising alternative that could complement treatments for managing Type 2 diabetes in millions of Filipinos.

UP Manila's Institute of Herbal Medicine (IHM) announced last week the development of its "game changer" ampalaya tablet that completed Phase 3 clinical trials and was proven to lower blood sugar levels.

READ: UP researchers' ampalaya medicine tablet for Type 2 diabetes shows promise

Dr. Cecilia C. Maramba-Lazarte, director of IHM, said Wednesday that the institute was still attracting pharmaceutical companies and entrepreneurs to license the ampalaya tablet for manufacturing and production.

However, Maramba-Lazarte noted in an email with ABS-CBN News that they were "getting a lot of inquiries from interested parties" and expressed hope for "more good news about it soon."

She added that the registration of the ampalaya medicine tablet before the Food and Drug Administration could take about a year.

'AFFORDABLE OPTION'

While the ampalaya tablet is not yet available commercially, Marinela J. Gravidez of UP Manila's Technology Licensing and Business Development said it could be "an affordable option for consumers, making it an attractive product in the market."

Gravidez said that the business development unit was actively seeking licensees to bridge the gap between research and commercialization.

The ampalaya medicine tablet, derived from powdered ampalaya leaves, is stable at room temperature for at least one and a half years, according to Daisy-Mae Bagaoisan, a registered pharmacist and research assistant professor at IHM.

Bagaoisan noted that the ampalaya pill was formulated according to World Health Organization guidelines. 

It is "very safe with no known side effects," she said.

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines, where the cost of medicines is often prohibitive for the poor. 

Earlier this year, the Bureau of Internal Revenue moved to exempt 21 new medicines from value-added tax, including those for diabetes.

For those interested in licensing and manufacturing the ampalaya medicine tablet, please contact Marinela J. Gravidez.

Tel. No.: +63(2) 8814 1293
Website: http://ttbdo.upm.edu.ph/