Professor Wan-Yu Lo from the Department of Food Science and Technology at Hungkuang University and her research team have been awarded the Gold Medal at the 2024 PRIX EIFFEL International Invention Competition in France for their innovative product, “Development of a miR-200b-Based Drug to Promote Diabetic Wound Healing.” This research has already received a Taiwanese invention patent and has been published in an international scientific journal.

Professor Lo explained that after four years of dedicated research, her team successfully developed the world’s first diabetic wound treatment drug centered around microRNA-200b. This drug accelerates wound healing in diabetic patients—a crucial breakthrough, given that Taiwan has approximately 2.5 million people living with diabetes. Once commercialized, the product could significantly improve wound care for this large patient population.

Professor Lo is also a member of Hungkuang University's Health and Wellness Center for Humans and Pets. Her expertise spans microRNA applications, drug delivery systems, and animal testing for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and pet products, as well as functional analysis, cell culture, and immunology. She noted that during her research involving cellular and animal models, microRNAs showed anti-inflammatory properties, which led her to explore their use in drug development. Given the notoriously slow wound healing process in diabetic patients—who are more susceptible to infections, sepsis, and even amputations—her team decided to target this critical medical need.

The research team included Dr. Huang-Chou Wang from China Medical University Hospital, research assistant Chien-Hui Hsin, and students Hsun-Chih Hsu and Chih-Hsuan Lee from the Baking Technology Division of the Department of Food Science and Technology. The two students assisted in testing the gelation rate of the drug formulation. They expressed their excitement in discovering the joy and sense of accomplishment in research, and felt honored to be part of a project recognized with a prestigious international gold medal.

Professor Lo emphasized that their drug is the first globally to feature miR-200b as the key ingredient for diabetic wound treatment. It not only effectively reduces inflammation but also promotes collagen production and angiogenesis, accelerating wound healing and significantly reducing the risk of amputation. These properties grant the drug tremendous clinical value.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are notoriously difficult to treat and have a high incidence rate, posing long-term challenges to patients. This invention offers a practical solution—an easy-to-apply, non-detachable gel that elderly patients can use at home for better wound care.

In addition to the Gold Medal at the PRIX EIFFEL 2024, this innovation has already secured a Taiwanese invention patent and been published in an international journal. Professor Lo remarked that the invention has great potential for clinical applications. The team plans to apply for a U.S. patent and is actively seeking suitable partners for technology transfer to bring the drug to market and offer diabetic patients a novel, effective treatment option—ultimately benefiting more people around the world.