PICS, as one of the categories in Pharmanova 2024, requires participants to do a case study that focuses on various aspects of manufacturing, quality assurance, quality control, and marketing within the pharmaceutical industry. Held with the theme "Opportunities and Challenges for Traditional Medicine Industries in Developing Countries”, participants were challenged to find innovative solutions relevant to issues surrounding the traditional medicine industry in Indonesia.

According to Fannia Rusmawesti, their preparation process started in early November of 2023 while continuing to optimize their ideas at every given opportunity. Submitting proposals early in the competition provided the team with innovative ideas which were later refined until the final presentation.

"We were given case studies on various problems in the pharmaceutical industry. We tried to find solutions through innovations that are within our field, such as product innovation or maybe the sales system. Through a proposal stage and presentation, an innovation emerged, a new product development based on gambier plants. We are trying to make Effervescent tablets, our lectures have not covered this topic, " said Fannia.

Far from easy, this team's preparation according to Cherry Putri involves a lot of independent studies. They required exploring knowledge from various fields, including product formulation, natural ingredients compatibility, and mechanism of action in drugs.

"We learned a lot about the formulation of Effervescent tablets, (for example) why this amount is needed or why we use this (material). During the whole process of generating a proposal, not only we learned about the formulation of Effervescent tablets, but also its natural ingredients, the plant structure, the active compounds (which are) the main composition, and how to extract them. We also have to test its effectiveness as an anti-diabetic drug, its effects, as well as its toxicity level. This process is often referred to as a combination of three sciences, such as Pharmaceuticals, Natural Material Biology, and Pharmacology. That's a challenge for us as research groups that have a very broad scope, " Cherry stated.

Aside from the technical challenges, the BANGAN team was also faced with an internal challenge in cooperating with individuals with different backgrounds. According to Fauzan, they must ensure that every member has the same goals and is committed to achieving them.

During the presentation, the BANGAN team delighted the judges with their mature business and marketing approach. They present a gambier plant-based product under the name "UNCARIA".

Due to their enthusiasm and hard work, the BANGAN team impressed the judges and won 1st place in the PICS competition at the Pharmanova 2024.

"The point is not to be afraid to participate in competitions. Don't be discouraged, even when you don't have any experience because I, Fannia, and Cherry are also participating in this competition for the first time. Don't be afraid to try, the most important thing is your willingness to learn, devotion, and commitment. Even though you pay with your time, energy, and thoughts, it's a sign to stay prepared from the beginning," Fannia concluded.

Reporter: Iko Sutrisko Prakasa Lay (Mathematics, 2021)
Translator: Kezia Hosana
Editor: Hanifa Juliana (Urban and Regional Planning, 2020)