สำนักงานวิเทศสัมพันธ์ สำนักงานอธิการบดี 2026/03/30 , ( 45 views)
Researchers from Ubon Ratchathani University (UBU) have achieved international recognition after winning five awards at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (GENEVA 2026), held at Palexpo, Geneva, Switzerland, from 11–15 March 2026. Two research projects—selected by the National Research Council of Thailand to represent Thailand—were presented:Bux-Exo Drugs (Anti-Cancer) and Clausena harmandiana Root Bark Capsules (Anti-Cancer).
The research team, led by Associate Professor Dr. Pornthip Waiwut as principal investigator, successfully secured five awards for these innovations.
Associate Professor Dr. Pornthip Waiwut stated that the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva is one of the oldest and largest invention exhibitions in Europe, attracting inventors, researchers, investors, and academics from around the world. The event is organized by Palexpo SA in collaboration with the International Federation of Inventors' Associations (IFIA). UBU’s two research projects—Clausena harmandiana Root Bark Capsules (Anti-Cancer) and Bux-Exo Drugs (Anti-Cancer)—were selected by the National Research Council of Thailand to represent the country at this prestigious event.
The Bux-Exo Drugs (Anti-Cancer) research, an exosome-based innovation delivering the active compound Buxifoliadine E, demonstrated high efficacy in inhibiting liver cancer cells without damaging normal cells. This work received three awards:
1. Silver Medal from the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva
2. INNOPA Special Award for the Highest Standard of Excellence from the Indonesian Invention and Innovation Promotion Association
3. NRCT Honorable Mention Award for Outstanding Invention and Innovation
The second research project, Clausena harmandiana Root Bark Capsules (TAK1 Modulator – Anti-Cancer / Anti-Alzheimer’s Disease), is a herbal-based product developed from the root bark of Clausena harmandiana. The capsules exhibit strong anti-cancer properties and show potential in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, with confirmed safety in human volunteers. This research received two awards:
1. Bronze Medal from the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva jury
2. NRCT Special Award for Outstanding Invention and Innovation
Scientifically, the Bux-Exo Drugs (Anti-Cancer) innovation utilizes stem cell-derived exosomes loaded with Buxifoliadine E to induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation in hepatoblastoma cells. This mechanism involves activation of caspase-3 and Bax expression through Akt and MAPK signaling pathways, demonstrating strong potential for future cancer treatment strategies.
Meanwhile, the Clausena harmandiana-based capsules, branded as “Song Fa,” function as TAK1 modulators, exhibiting both anti-cancer and anti-Alzheimer’s effects while remaining non-toxic to normal cells and safe for healthy volunteers. These findings support their potential for further development as therapeutic agents in the future.
This success reflects the integrated expertise of UBU’s research team and collaborators, led by Associate Professor Dr. Pornthip Waiwut. Key contributors include Associate Professor Dr. Teeraporn Catira Supapan, Associate Professor Dr. Rawiwan Kaewamatawong, Associate Professor Dr Sureewan Duangjit, Mr. Pongpat Pimsa, M.D., Ms. Nawinda Wanichkuntada, M.D., Assistant Professor Peerawat Jinathongtai, and Associate Professor Dr. Janthana Boonyarat. Representatives who presented the research at the event included Associate Professor Dr. Pornthip Waiwut, Associate Professor Dr. Sureewan Duangjit, Ms. Nawinda Wanichkuntada, M.D., and Associate Professor Dr Janthana Boonyarat.
Notably, in 2023, Associate Professor Dr. Pornthip Waiwut of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ubon Ratchathani University, also received international recognition at the GA Congress 2023 in Dublin, Ireland. Out of 480–500 research submissions from 54 countries, only seven awards were granted, with UBU’s research among the selected recipients.
This achievement underscores Ubon Ratchathani University’s growing prominence in global research and innovation, particularly in the fields of natural products, biomedical science, and pharmaceutical development.
English version by: Kanjana Sangasri
Thai version by: Plern Wichaiwong
English revised by: Kimberly Tangaro
Photos by: Plern Wichaiwong
