Mangaluru: Radiation therapy is a cornerstone in the treatment of head and neck cancers, but for many patients, the relief from tumours comes at a high cost. Exposure of healthy oral tissues to radiation often leads to painful ulcers, dry mouth, tooth decay, and long-term difficulties in eating and speaking. Addressing this critical clinical challenge, a startup led by a professor from Yenepoya Dental College (YDC) has developed a patented innovation aimed at protecting non-target tissues during cancer treatment.
The innovation, titled ‘A Radiation Shielding Composition’, has been developed by a startup incubated at the Yenepoya Technology Incubator (YTI), under Yenepoya (Deemed to be University). A few days ago, the technology was formally transferred to the startup named Mashaa Radpro, marking a significant milestone in the translation of academic research into a clinically and commercially viable product.
Eight years of research behind the innovation
The radiation shielding technology is the result of more than eight years of sustained research and development. The project involved collaboration with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), which also provided funding support for the innovation.
According to those involved in the project, the long research phase was necessary to ensure that the shielding material met strict requirements of safety, effectiveness and biocompatibility. The aim was to develop a solution that could be safely used inside the oral cavity without interfering with radiation treatment targeted at cancerous tissues.
Addressing a long-standing clinical gap
Mashaa Radpro was founded by Dr Riaz Abdulla, founder and director of Mashaa Radpro Pvt Ltd, who is also a professor in the department of oral pathology at Yenepoya Dental College. Drawing from decades of clinical and academic experience, Dr Abdulla identified a recurring gap in cancer care.
“In radiation therapy, the focus is rightly on destroying cancer cells, but normal tissues often remain insufficiently protected. This leads to persistent complications even after successful treatment,” he explained.
Dr Abdulla said the idea for the radiation shield emerged from repeated observations of patients suffering long-term oral complications despite tumour control. These side effects often reduce quality of life and require additional treatment and expense.
Low-cost and biocompatible solution
The solution developed by Mashaa Radpro takes the form of a shield or belt that can be used during radiation therapy to protect healthy oral tissues. It has been designed as a low-cost, biocompatible radiation-shielding technology, making it suitable for widespread use, particularly in resource-limited healthcare settings.
By shielding non-target tissues, the device aims to significantly reduce collateral damage caused by radiation exposure. This could help minimise common complications such as oral mucositis, xerostomia (dry mouth), and dental damage, thereby improving patient comfort and recovery outcomes.
Role of Yenepoya Technology Incubator
The technology transfer was facilitated by the Yenepoya Technology Incubator, which plays a key role in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship within the university ecosystem. Officials said the transfer positions the university-developed research for wider clinical adoption and commercial translation.
YTI has been actively involved in mentoring startups, securing intellectual property protection, and connecting innovators with industry and investors. In this case, the incubator helped ensure that the research moved beyond the laboratory into a product that could potentially benefit cancer patients on a larger scale.
Strong academic backing
In addition to leading the startup, Dr Abdulla serves as the head of the Centre for Biomaterials and Research at YDC. He has over 28 years of teaching experience in oral pathology and has been involved in multiple research initiatives related to oral health and biomaterials.
The patented technology lists several inventors, reflecting a collaborative effort. The inventors include Dr Fahizah, Dr Rekha PD, Dr Arun Bhagwat, Dr B H Sripathi Rao, Asim Syed from YTI, and Jagdish K, alongside Dr Abdulla.
Recognition at national level
With patent protection secured and growing interest from healthcare professionals, oncology centres and investors, Mashaa Radpro has begun gaining national attention. The startup was selected through the Government of Karnataka’s startup accelerator programme to showcase its product at the People’s Festival of Innovations held at the India International Centre in New Delhi.
Participation in the event provided the startup with an opportunity to present its technology to policymakers, clinicians, researchers and potential investors, further strengthening its prospects for wider adoption.
Potential impact on cancer care
Experts believe that innovations like radiation shielding for oral tissues could significantly improve the overall experience of patients undergoing head and neck cancer treatment. By reducing side effects, such technologies may help patients adhere better to treatment schedules and recover faster after therapy.
The development also highlights the growing role of academic institutions in fostering healthcare innovation and addressing unmet clinical needs through research-driven startups.
Conclusion
The transfer of the radiation shielding technology to Mashaa Radpro marks a major step forward in cancer supportive care innovation from Mangaluru. With strong research foundations, institutional support and national-level recognition, the startup’s solution holds promise for reducing the suffering of cancer patients and improving quality of life during and after radiation therapy. Stakeholders hope that continued collaboration and investment will help bring this innovation into routine clinical practice in the coming years.