University of San Agustin secures patent for kadios antibiotic

The University of San Agustin’s Center for Chemical Biology and Biotechnology and Center for Natural Drug Discovery and Development (USA–C2B2 & CND3) has received a Philippine patent for a technology that purifies antibiotic compounds from Cajanus cajan (kadios).

The patent, titled “Methods of Purifying Antibiotic Compounds from Cajanus cajan,” was granted on Oct. 10, 2025, and is valid until Aug. 31, 2042.

The technology outlines a method of extracting and purifying antibiotic metabolites from kadios seeds.

These metabolites have shown potential as natural agents effective against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and other skin pathogens.

The achievement strengthens the method’s commercial viability and supports future product development in natural therapeutics.

The patented process is the basis of SKIVIOS®, a locally developed topical skin formulation that is already available in the Philippines.

The product represents a direct application of Filipino scientific research to consumer health care.

“This milestone captures the journey where research grows into innovation, innovation matures into technology, and technology leads to shared prosperity, showing how local scientific excellence can uplift communities and strengthen regional development,” the university said in a statement.

The development stems from an academe–industry collaboration between USA and Maridan Industries Inc., a regional pharmaceutical company known for technical excellence and innovation.

Its sister company, Pharma GalenX, handles the formulation and commercialization of SKIVIOS®.

The university credited the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) for funding the initiative.

It also acknowledged the support of university administrators and the Augustinian Friars.

“This patent stands as a testament to what collaboration, dedication, and Filipino scientific excellence can achieve,” the university added.

The project aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations.

It directly advances SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by helping develop safe antibiotic agents and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by strengthening pharmaceutical research capacity in the region.

The USA–Maridan partnership also reflects SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and indirectly contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enriching research training and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by supporting opportunities in the biotech sector.