Date Palm Pharmaceutical Innovation: Saudi Research Team Achieve Success
A research team from Qassim University in Saudi Arabia has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining a patent from the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property. Their innovation, a novel method for preparing pharmaceutical compounds from date palm byproducts, utilizes nanotechnology to optimize the use of these materials. This breakthrough offers a new approach to producing pharmaceutical excipients, specifically nano-sized excipients.
Team’s Innovative Approach
Led by Dr. Fahad bin Mohammed Al-Mandary, with the collaboration of Dr. Thamer Ibrahim Rajab and Dr. Wael Abdelhafiz Shendi, the team has devised an optimal method using nano-technology. This method produces nano-sized pharmaceutical excipients with distinctive physical and chemical properties.
Implications for Pharmaceutical Industry
This invention opens new horizons in drug manufacturing. It allows for faster delivery of active ingredients and reduces their required concentration. The team also recommends studying this excipient, nano-cellulose crystalline, in cancer drug manufacturing due to its exceptional properties in efficient and targeted delivery.
Project and University Initiatives
This innovation is part of “The Patent Registration Project for University Staff,” sponsored by the President of Qassim University, Dr. Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Dawood. It is an initiative of the University’s Agency for Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research, represented by the Center for Innovation and Intellectual Property. The project aims to enhance the university’s local and international ranking in patent registrations and to encourage staff to convert their research and ideas into economically viable products.