Second patent boosts USA research-driven innovation push

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The University of San Agustin strengthened its drive to become a research- and innovation-oriented institution after securing its second Philippine patent and signing a Technology Licensing Agreement with MARIDAN Industries Inc. on Jan. 6 at the university’s President’s Conference Room.

The patent, titled “Methods of Purifying Antibiotic Compounds From Cajanus cajan,” was granted by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines and formally awarded during the ceremony by Marianne Tajanlangit-Bebit, Intellectual Property Rights Specialist II of the IPOPHL–Iloilo Satellite Office.

“Every patent granted is a vote of confidence in Filipino ingenuity. It tells our scientists, our students, and our institutions that their ideas are worth protecting, worth investing in, and worth bringing outside and to the world,” Tajanlangit-Bebit said in her message.

The invention covers a process for purifying antibiotic metabolites from Cajanus cajan—locally known as kadyos or pigeon pea—with potential applications against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and other skin-related pathogens.

The inventors behind the patented technology were also formally recognized, including lead inventor Dr. Doralyn S. Dalisay, co-inventors Dr. Jonel P. Saludes, Jan Vincent Sollesta, Zenith M. Villorente and Lex Aiko Balida, along with other contributors.

In a press conference, Dalisay said the patented technology resulted from research that began in 2016 and progressed despite funding constraints and pandemic-related delays.

She credited support from the Department of Science and Technology in 2020 for enabling the project to move forward during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The patent application was filed in August 2022 and granted in October 2025, with protection extending until 2042.

“This milestone is not just about a patent or a signing ceremony. It is about perseverance, partnerships, and translating science into something that truly serves the people,” Dalisay said, thanking USA leadership, DOST, IPOPHL, and industry partners MARIDAN Industries and Pharma Glex for their sustained support.

She said that while kadyos is commonly used as food, the research team employed biotechnology to extract the antibiotic’s active ingredient without competing with food supply, ensuring sustainability and scalability for commercial production.

University President Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA, said the achievement affirms the university’s commitment to go beyond traditional instruction and actively contribute to national development through research and innovation.