A remarkable innovation from Tajikistan is gaining international attention for its potential to revolutionize the treatment of chronic respiratory illnesses.  Ganjina Navruzzoda, a leading pharmaceutical chemist from the Avicenna Tajik State Medical University, was awarded the prestigious IFIA (International Federation of Inventors’ Associations) prize at the 2025 Korea International Women's Invention Exposition (KIWIE).  Her invention: a new aerosol-based therapy that may significantly improve the lives of patients suffering from COPD and asthma.

Navruzzoda was among a delegation of Tajik women scientists who collectively earned five gold, two silver, and three bronze medals at KIWIE 2025 — a testament to the growing role of women in science in Central Asia.  But it was her novel treatment method using iron(II) diacetylcysteinate aerosol that earned special distinction for its clinical potential.

In an interview with Asia-Plus, Navruzzoda outlined the challenges behind the innovation, its future prospects, and her vision for implementing the method in both domestic and international healthcare systems.

Targeting chronic respiratory illness with precision

The new method is designed to treat and prevent chronic respiratory conditions including bronchiectasis, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchial asthma.  At its core is a personalized approach based on pulmonary function markers, such as FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second), which helps tailor the treatment to each patient’s needs.

“The uniqueness of my method lies in its differentiated strategy.  By considering individual respiratory metrics, we can customize therapy, leading to higher treatment efficacy,” Navruzzoda explained.

Beyond those already diagnosed, the aerosol therapy may also benefit high-risk populations, including smokers, industrial workers, and individuals frequently exposed to polluted environments.  Navruzzoda believes this tailored approach could significantly improve patients’ quality of life and reduce the frequency of disease flare-ups.

Expanding the research frontier

Building on her initial success, Navruzzoda plans to expand her research to explore compound combinations — specifically iron(II) and zinc(II) diacetylcysteinate — and develop standardized treatment protocols and ready-to-use aerosol medications for pulmonology.

Future research will also focus on the long-term impact of the aerosol on lung tissue, alongside its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.

“We plan to first implement this method in Tajikistan, where there is a critical need for safe and effective treatment of chronic respiratory diseases. Afterward, we aim to adapt and introduce it in other countries, aligning with local medical standards,” she said.

Challenges behind the breakthrough

The road to creating this medical innovation was far from smooth, Navruzzoda admitted. One of the biggest hurdles was determining a safe and effective concentration for the aerosol, along with designing a differentiated treatment protocol suited to various forms of respiratory disease.

“These challenges were overcome through extensive clinical observation, respiratory function analysis, and repeated dosage testing,” she explained. Her efforts culminated in global recognition — the IFIA award and success at KIWIE 2025, which she describes as not just an honor, but a powerful motivator.

“The recognition of my invention’s uniqueness and practical value inspires me to keep pushing forward and bring more innovation into the field of medicine,” Navruzzoda said.

Support system and inspiration

Navruzzoda emphasized that her achievements would not have been possible without the support of those around her: “Colleagues, researchers, and mentors guided me at every stage. But above all, it was my family’s unwavering belief in me that gave me the strength to continue,” she shared.

Advice for future scientists

A strong advocate for nurturing young talent, Navruzzoda urges academic institutions to engage students in real research from early on — through innovation competitions, Olympiads, and international exhibitions.

She believes it’s essential to create an encouraging environment where students can see the tangible results of their work, benefit from mentorship, and be inspired by senior researchers. Patent opportunities and real-world implementation of innovations, she adds, also serve as strong motivators.

Background: a life devoted to science

Born on October 8, 1989, in the city of Hisor into a working-class family, Navruzzoda was drawn to science from a young age. She excelled in biology, physics, and chemistry, was a top student, and actively participated in academic competitions.

In 2005, she entered the Faculty of Pharmacy at the Avicenna Tajik State Medical University. Later, she pursued her postgraduate studies at the National University of Pharmacy in Kharkiv, Ukraine, where she defended her PhD thesis in 2018 on the pharmacognostic analysis of Tajik varieties of Persica vulgaris (peach).

Since 2019, she has headed the Department of Pharmacognosy, and in 2021, she was appointed Chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Chemistry at her alma mater. Her academic and research work has been recognized with the Ismoili Somoni Prize in 2020 and the Excellence in Education badge (A'locii Maorif) in 2021.