On Thursday, 16 January 2020, the state university, for the first time in its 481-year history, registered a patent. Scientists from the Santo Domingo Autonomous University (UASD) patented a molecule with potential use to fight cancer. The National Office of Intellectual Property (Onapi) patented the discovery of the molecule Koanolide A for the fighting of cancer. UASD chemistry professor Quirico Castillo Perdomo received the certificate for her discovery. The certificate gives the authorities of the UASD the exclusive right to exploit the discovery.
The Koanolide A molecule was isolated from an endemic plant found in the Sierra de Bahoruco, in the south of the country. The UASD has not given details, only that the plant belongs to the asteraceae family.
Koanolide A “has strong anti-cancer activity,” according to the statement from the university. The results of the research indicate that these molecules could help fight cancer of the breast, kidneys, cervix, prostate, lung, colon and skin.
UASD rector, Emma Polanco Melo, reported that the university is preparing to obtain the resources for the reproduction and commercialization of the discovery.
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Z101 Digital
20 January 2020