Muscat – An Omani biotechnology entrepreneur has developed an advanced therapeutic platform designed to speed up the healing of chronic wounds, particularly those affecting diabetic patients, using innovative bio-delivery technologies.

Zaher bin Salem bin Awad Al Alawi, founder of Tuhlab Al Mustadama Company, created the platform as part of a broader effort to develop scalable medical solutions for difficult-to-heal wounds.

Al Alawi will represent Oman at the International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX 2026), to be held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia from May 18 to 20. The project will be presented to an international audience of innovators, researchers and technology companies.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Al Alawi said the project is designed as a therapeutic platform rather than a single product. It aims to produce a range of wound-care solutions, starting with basic trea- tments and progressing to more advanced medical products.

“These solutions may eventually include smart delivery systems capable of targeting treatment directly to the wound site with greater precision and effectiveness,” he said.

Al Alawi explained that chronic wounds and diabetic ulcers were chosen as the focus because these are a major global health challenge. Many cases require more effective treatments than those currently available.

The idea for the project emerged from a personal experience. Al Alawi said his mother, who suffered from diabetes, faced persistent problems with slow wound healing and infections. Witnessing these challenges motivated him to search for a scientific solution that could benefit patients facing similar conditions.

The concept first began to take shape during his undergraduate studies at Sultan Qaboos University, where he explored the potential of natural bio-compounds for medical applications.

The research advanced further during his master’s studies at Coventry University in the United Kingdom. There, he conducted the first laboratory experiments examining the effects of bioactive compounds on cells involved in wound healing.

The project later moved into a more advanced stage during his doctoral research at Sultan Qaboos University. This phase included cellular (in vitro) and animal (in vivo) studies conducted under academic supervision to verify safety and effectiveness.

Al Alawi said the work is now entering a new stage that integrates biomedical engineering approaches. These include the development of advanced delivery systems such as hydrogels and smart therapeutic materials. The effort is supported through academic collaboration with international institutions.

To move the research towards practical use, the project is being developed through Sustainable Algae Company. The company is working on prototype development, partnerships and preparations for future manufacturing.

The innovation has also been presented to specialists at the Ministry of Health in Oman to ensure alignment with clinical standards and patient safety requirements.

Al Alawi said the project is currently in its final development stages, with plans to launch the first product in the fourth quarter of 2026. Participation in international exhibitions such as ITEX is expected to help build global partnerships and support the entry of the technology into international markets as an Omani innovation.