In the Fight Against Cancer: Innovation in Treating Oral and Skin Lesions
In 40% of cancer patients, oral and skin lesions develop as a side effect of treatment. These painful wounds not only cause significant discomfort but also often lead patients to discontinue their therapies. Addressing this pressing issue, Umayana, a company based in Teknopark Istanbul, has developed a product that supports the healing of cancer-related wounds and prevents their recurrence. Marketed under the brand Murnia, these products are also effective in treating skin and mucosal conditions.
Innovative Solutions from Teknopark Istanbul
Umayana Biotechnology, headquartered in Teknopark Istanbul, has introduced a groundbreaking product designed to heal and prevent oral and skin lesions caused by the toxic effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The Murnia products, developed with patented formulas that have been recognized at numerous international conferences, have successfully entered the Turkish market. With a patented molecular compound, Umayana aims to export its high-value technological products to global markets, including Europe and the United States. The company has also launched a product tailored to support wound healing for animals.
Founded by Three Women Entrepreneurs
Can you tell us about your company? How did this idea come about?
As the founder of Umayana, I must start by saying that the journey I began in 2018 has been a challenging one. Yet, if you asked me today whether I would start again, my answer would be an emphatic yes. The motivation lies in the heartfelt feedback from patients whose lives we’ve improved by helping heal their wounds. The satisfaction of aiding wound healing in animals as well is beyond words.
Our journey began by synthesizing molecules from a specific resin that boosts the production of skin stem cells, strengthens the skin’s resistance, and protects it against harmful external agents. My team and I conducted all the R&D work leading to the final formulations used in our products. These formulations have been validated through both laboratory tests and clinical trials. Once ministry approvals were obtained, the products were packaged and made available to patients through various sales channels.
However, developing a product involves much more than R&D. That’s why we established Umayana Biotechnology in early 2022 at Teknopark Istanbul, as three women entrepreneurs.
An Antioxidant Solution
Can you provide details about the development of your products?
While working in the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Department at Istanbul Medical School, I encountered a condition called "oral mucositis," which causes wounds in the oral mucosa. Around the same time, I completed my thesis on antioxidant activity in tumor tissues of colorectal cancer patients. One of the primary causes of treatment-related wounds is harmful oxygen radicals. This realization guided my research toward creating antioxidant solutions to combat cancer-related skin and mucosal lesions.
I also focused on ensuring the formulations contained clean ingredients. I avoided any components that might generate harmful oxygen radicals. Oral lesions occur in 40% of cancer patients undergoing treatment. These wounds are extremely painful, making it difficult for patients to eat or even drink water. Many describe them as “worse than cancer itself.”
linically Proven Solutions for Treatment-Related Wounds
Do some patients have to pause treatment due to these wounds?
One of the most challenging aspects is that patients may need to pause treatment until they recover from these wounds. During this break, cancer cells may mutate, necessitating a complete re-evaluation of the treatment plan. Similarly, patients undergoing radiotherapy often suffer from skin wounds and burns.
The in-vitro testing of our molecularly developed formulas was successfully completed, followed by clinical trials. The results, which were very promising, were presented at national and international conferences. These double-blind placebo-controlled clinical studies have, for the first time globally, proven that our formulas can prevent oral and skin lesions caused by the toxic effects of cancer treatments like radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
No Competitors on the Global Market
What is the international competition like?
Oral mucositis is one of the most severe side effects of cancer treatment, and currently, there is no product on the global market to prevent it. Murnia products not only enhance patient tolerance but also address the critical gap of enabling patients to complete their treatments without interruptions caused by skin and mucosal lesions. International studies estimate that treatment pauses can cost patients and healthcare systems an additional $20,000 on average.
Our standout features include our patented active ingredient, highly effective formulations, ease of use (no need for hospital-based application), and clean ingredients. These aspects set us apart from potential competitors.
Our goal is to expand the domestic market for our products, which are the first of their kind globally, targeting cancer-related oral and skin lesions. Following this, we plan to introduce Murnia products to European and U.S. markets. Furthermore, we aim to position our patented formulations for acute wounds, created using advanced technologies, in both domestic and international markets.
Our Murnia Products
Murnia Barrier Cream
This cream enhances the mechanical resilience of the epidermis, creating a barrier effect and ensuring the skin’s healthy continuity. Its effective ingredients nourish the skin and provide long-lasting hydration. It protects against skin damage caused by contact with bodily fluids, friction, or other factors. It also helps maintain skin integrity in high-risk areas, such as pressure points and under diapers, preventing damage from urine and feces. Suitable for all intact skin types.
Murnia Barrier Gel
Developed with advanced technology, Murnia Gel forms a protective layer on the epidermis, enhancing its mechanical resistance and creating a robust barrier. It protects the epidermis in at-risk areas from harmful effects like bodily fluids and external irritants. With a pH value conducive to healthy skin continuity, it is suitable for all intact skin types.
Murnia Mouth Spray
Formulated to maintain the natural pH balance of saliva, this spray hydrates the mouth with its moisturizing effect. Containing patented Murnia extract and betaine derived from natural sources, it helps preserve oral water balance and alleviate the sensation of dryness. Its sprayable form ensures easy application.
Chosen Family Vetcoul Derm Remedy Cream (For Animals)
This topical product is designed to protect animal skin from harmful effects, create a barrier, and prevent irritation and minor pain. It alleviates and supports the treatment of conditions such as sensitive, irritated, itchy, flaky, or cracked skin, papules, vesicles, peeling, or redness caused by local inflammation.
Steadily Advancing Toward Global Goals
Do you plan to expand into different fields in the future? What are your goals?
After solidifying our presence in the domestic market, we are now on the verge of entering international markets. My efforts were recognized in 2022 with the WomenTech EU award, which allowed me to join the European Innovation Council and collaborate with oral health groups in the U.S.
In June, Umayana became the first and only Turkish company selected for the SMILE Health program, run by CareQuest Innovation Partners and MATTER, a leading healthcare incubator and innovation hub. This achievement placed us among an impressive pool of applicants from 11 countries and 27 U.S. states.
Furthermore, we are proud to be the first Turkish company to reach the final stage of the European Union’s European Innovation Council Accelerator project.
In the short term, we are committed to meeting regulatory requirements as we take confident steps toward expanding into global markets.
A Billion-Dollar Market Opportunity
What can you share about the commercial potential of your product?
The oral mucositis market was valued at approximately $1.5–2 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% between 2024 and 2032. Similarly, the global acute wound market, estimated at around $8.5 billion in 2022, is projected to reach $10.5 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period. The radiodermatitis market, valued at approximately $517 million in 2021, is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 4.2%, reaching about $750 million by 2030.
With our patented molecular compound, we aim to position these high-value technological products not only in the domestic market but also for export to international markets. This represents a significant opportunity for our country to contribute to and benefit from these growing global industries.
The Guardian of the Tree of Life
Where does the name Umayana come from?
When we established our company, we enthusiastically chose the name Umayana. In Turkish mythology, "Umay Ana" is associated with fertility and abundance. She is the guardian of the tree of life, protecting children and spreading prosperity across the earth, radiating light around her.
We wanted our company name to reflect not only the scientific value of our products but also our faith and vision. The name Umayana was the perfect choice. My experience in R&D and managerial roles at Bayer and Abbott Pharmaceuticals has significantly contributed to Umayana's planning and execution, from research and development to business management.
The Importance of Biocube
What benefits do you gain from being part of Teknopark Istanbul?
At Teknopark Istanbul, Umayana successfully completed the project titled "Development of Mucosal and Topical Wound Formulations" (project code 78315) between February 18, 2022, and August 18, 2023, receiving the TGB completion certificate on January 25, 2024.
As I mentioned, every stage—from R&D to the final product—requires meticulous attention, expertise, and strict adherence to regulations. The support provided by the Teknopark Istanbul team, along with their training sessions, presentations, and the cutting-edge facilities of Biocube laboratories, has been crucial for our progress.
I sincerely thank the management and team of Teknopark Istanbul for the opportunities and resources they have provided.
Conferences Attended by Murnia
World Congress of the Academy of Oral Oncology (2019)
MASCC/ISOO Annual Meeting (2022) – Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer/International Society of Oral Oncology
UROK National Radiation Oncology Congress (2023)
Our products were presented both as posters and oral presentations at these events.
At Medicana Hospital, we conducted clinical trials that met global standards, proving the preventive and protective capabilities of our products. None of the patients using Murnia developed painful, open wounds, and no treatment interruptions were required.
Patents Secured for Our Innovative Molecules
The methods used to obtain these molecules, as well as the final formulations containing them, have been patented by:
United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO 11331,360, B2-WO/2020/072987)
Turkish Patent and Trademark Office (TPO/2021/005).
