UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has once again showcased Indonesia’s excellence on the international stage. UNAIR delegation earned a silver medal in the Healthcare, Personal Care Technology, Biotechnology, and Life Sciences category at 24th Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE) 2025. Their award-winning innovation, PEPHYDTIN-DERM, secured recognition in this prestigious competition, which took place from February 20–22, 2025, at the World Trade Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The team’s success was the result of dedicated efforts by Asroful Hulam Zamroni (Master’s in Nursing, UNAIR), Sandrina Indah Paraswati, Annita Istifadhah, and Faiz Wildan Anshory (Bachelor’s in Nursing, UNAIR), along with Chessa Failazhufa Waludri and Nida Elsa’adah Mazaya Yusron (Bachelor’s in Pharmacy, UNAIR).
Revolutionary treatment for fungal skin infections
In an interview on Thursday (February 27, 2025), team member Sandrina Indah Paraswati elaborated on PEPHYDTIN-DERM, the innovation that secured their silver medal. She explained that PEPHYDTIN-DERM is a breakthrough treatment for dermatophytosis, a common fungal skin infection. The product was formulated using Peperomia pellucida, a wild plant known for its potent natural antifungal properties.
“The idea for this innovation emerged from the limitations of existing dermatophytosis treatments, particularly in terms of effectiveness and patient comfort. With PEPHYDTIN-DERM, we aim to offer a more practical, convenient, and effective solution for fungal skin infections,” she stated.
Challenges, lessons, and future aspirations
The journey to success was anything but easy. Paraswati recounted the extensive process the team had to undergo, from proposal submission and raw material procurement to product development and preclinical testing.
“We conducted independent research, extracted natural ingredients, and rigorously tested the product’s efficacy before finally traveling to Malaysia to present our innovation,” she explained.
Participating in MTE 2025 provided invaluable experience for the UNAIR team. In addition to earning international recognition, they had the opportunity to connect with researchers, innovators, and investors from around the world.
“This experience reinforced the importance of teamwork, precision in research, and the courage to innovate. We also learned how to effectively present our ideas to engage both the public and industry professionals,” Paraswati remarked.
With this achievement, the UNAIR team hopes to further develop PEPHYDTIN-DERM for mass production, making it widely accessible to those suffering from fungal skin infections. Additionally, they aspire to inspire young innovators to contribute to global health solutions through research and technological advancements.
Author: Adinda Aulia Pratiwi
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
