A Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-supported biomedical innovation project from Western Visayas achieved a key commercialization milestone after securing the trademark registration for “Aghamiya,” a locally developed three-dimensional (3D) bioprinted human skin equivalent (HSE) technology.

The project, led by Jan Vincent N. Sollesta of Pharma GalenX Innovations, Inc., is funded through the DOST Business Innovation through Science and Technology (BIST) for Industry Program and monitored by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD). The trademark registration of ‘Aghamiya’ strengthens the project’s intellectual property portfolio and facilitates upcoming commercialization efforts for the HSE, opening doors for industry collaborators and adopters.

HSEs are laboratory-grown tissues designed to mimic the structure and function of human skin. Internationally, these technologies are increasingly used as alternatives to animal-based testing for cosmetics, topical formulations, and medical devices.

According to DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., the achievement represents an important step in the country’s ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on imported biomedical innovations. “The DOST gives high priority to research endeavors that foster domestic production of biomedical tools. As this project nears commercialization, we look forward to achieving faster and cheaper local biocompatibility testing.”

The project team is currently optimizing 3D bioprinting parameters and refining the bioink formulation needed to produce skin tissues that closely resemble native human skin. Validation studies are also ongoing to assess the morphology, cell viability, and barrier function of the bioprinted skin model to ensure its reliability for laboratory testing applications. Once finalized, the laboratory-grown skin samples will undergo in vitro skin irritation analysis and further validation activities.

Following the trademark registration, the project team is positioning the technology for future commercialization and wider industry adoption once validation activities are completed. According to Sollesta, their company is already engaging with universities, research institutions, and government agencies for collaborations involving the use of the HSE models.

The team also aims to make the locally developed HSE technology accessible to industries and academic institutions as an alternative to imported skin models currently difficult to source in the country.

Secretary Solidum also emphasized the importance of investing in Filipino researchers and innovators, noting that sustained support for science and technology is essential to building a more self-reliant, innovation-driven, and future-ready Philippines. “When we empower Filipino innovators, we don’t just create products; we create hope, resilience, and pride for generations to come,” he said.