Sechenov University and Bandung Institute of Technology (Indonesia) to develop innovative drug delivery systems
The Institute of Pharmacy at Sechenov University and the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB, Indonesia) have announced the launch of a joint mirror technology laboratory named "Equator." This strategic partnership between scientists from the two countries aims to develop novel drug delivery systems — nanoemulsions, nanosuspensions, and lamellar emulsions — for the treatment of skin diseases. These technologies are the key to the medicines of the future enabling targeted delivery of active substances into the body and ensuring their controlled release.
The concept of the joint mirror laboratory emerged following a traineeship undertaken by a team of scientists from the Institute of Pharmacy in Indonesia in October–November 2025. The name "Equator" was chosen jointly as a symbol of geographic unity and the bringing together of the scientific schools of the two countries. According to Galina Ramenskaya, Director of the Institute of Pharmacy, the choice of the Bandung Institute of Technology as a partner was no accident — ITB is one of the leading technical universities in Southeast Asia, renowned for its advanced research in nanotechnology and materials science.
"The ITB School of Pharmacy has deep expertise in fundamental physicochemical research. Integrating pharmaceutical science into the structure of a technical university allows for a multidisciplinary approach, viewing drug development through the lens of applied physics, mathematics, and chemistry. This creates an ideal synergy with Sechenov University’s competencies in pharmaceutical engineering of innovative drugs," noted Professor Galina Ramenskaya.
The main focus of the joint research is the development of highly effective topical preparations for the treatment of skin diseases — dermatitis, xerosis, and other pathologies that compromise the integrity of the epidermal barrier. The partners consider nanoemulsions and nanosuspensions as technologically mature solutions for improving the bioavailability of active substances. Lamellar emulsions have sparked the scientists’ interest due to their biomimetic properties (the ability to mimic the structure of cell membranes) and their unique capacity to restore the physiological barrier of the skin.
An important advantage of the collaboration will be access to Indonesia’s unique phytochemical resources. The scientists plan to incorporate extracts of rare plants into the innovative carriers developed within the Equator platform. Sechenov University already has a successful track record in this area — researchers at the Institute of Pharmacy have created the first lamellar emulsion for dermatological application.
"By combining our expertise, we accelerate the journey from scientific idea to the creation of new medical technologies capable of changing patients' lives," emphasized Victoria Grikh, Senior Researcher at the Institute of Pharmacy.
Currently, the project is being implemented as a scientific initiative — the partners are developing the methodological framework for joint research. In parallel, the team is holding negotiations with potential partners from leading pharmaceutical companies to further commercialize the developments and bring innovative drugs to the market.