Yogyakarta, 13 September 2025 — The Faculty of Pharmacy at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has once again affirmed its leadership in pharmaceutical innovation rooted in Indonesia’s rich biodiversity. A student team led by Naafi’ Noor Nafiza Novikh, with member Wimala Sephastika, earned Second Place in the Scientific Essay category at the prestigious Joglosepur Pharmacy Competition (JPC) X PHARMACOPE UNS 2025.
JPC X PHARMACOPE 2025 is a regional pharmacy competition covering Yogyakarta, Solo, Semarang, and Purwokerto, hosted by the Faculty of Pharmacy at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS). This year’s competition carried the highly relevant theme, “Harnessing the Potential of Indonesian Biodiversity as a Basis for Modern Innovation to Address Public Health Challenges Towards SDGs 2030.”
The UGM team presented a scientific essay titled “HEPASOL: A Hepatoprotective Softgel Supplement Utilizing Turmeric–VCO SNEDDS Based on Sustainable Indonesian Biodiversity to Prevent Hepatotoxic Side Effects of Tuberculosis Therapy.” Their innovation highlights the use of local natural ingredients, turmeric extract and Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), formulated with the modern Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System (SNEDDS) in softgel form.
This original and practical idea proposes a supportive therapeutic solution to protect the liver from the toxic side effects commonly associated with long-term use of antituberculosis drugs. By addressing a major national health issue, tuberculosis, while integrating advanced pharmaceutical technology, the UGM Pharmacy team delivered an outstanding performance among participants from universities across the Joglosepur region.
The achievement also contributes meaningfully to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The “HEPASOL” innovation directly supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being by offering a complementary approach to reducing hepatotoxicity in tuberculosis treatment, improving both patient safety and treatment adherence for a global priority disease. It also aligns with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by promoting sustainable use and value enhancement of local biodiversity such as turmeric and VCO. Meanwhile, the development of a modern drug-delivery system like SNEDDS advances SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by strengthening research and technological progress in pharmaceutical sciences.
The Faculty of Pharmacy at UGM extends its highest appreciation to Naafi’ Noor Nafiza Novikh and Wimala Sephastika for their remarkable achievement. The faculty hopes that this accomplishment will inspire other students to continue developing innovative and scientifically grounded ideas, reinforcing the presence and excellence of UGM Pharmacy at both national and international levels.
