The MARTINEX research development is listed among Russia's ten greatest inventions of the 21st century

Rospatent (the Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property) has published a list of the ten main Russian inventions of the 21st century. This prestigious ranking includes the method of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), developed by a group of scientists led by Mikhail Selyanin, President of the company MARTINEX, holder of a Belgian order, and recipient of UNESCO and Oxford medals.

A national poll organized by Rospatent brought together over 17,000 experts, scientists, and developers. The shortlist featured 138 outstanding inventions, and only 10 were included in the final list of the best inventions of the 21st century. The development by the Autonomous Non-Profit Organization " MARTINEX International Research Center for Innovative Technologies (IRCIT) rightfully earned its place among scientific achievements of national significance.

BNCT is an advanced method for treating malignant tumors, based on the targeted delivery of boron-containing agents directly into tumor cells. After these agents accumulate in the affected tissue, neutron irradiation is performed, which causes the destruction of the cancer cells. Crucially, healthy tissues remain undamaged.

A key element of the method became solid-phase modified hyaluronic acid – a substance well-known in arthrology, dentistry, and injectable aesthetics.

Thanks to the unique solid-phase modification technology, hyaluronic acid acts as a "smart carrier" for delivering bioactive substances. Specifically, the compound features covalent bonding of boron-containing molecules to hyaluronic acid. This enables controlled and localized release of the active agent exclusively within the tumor area.

The development addresses two key challenges in modern oncology: enhancing treatment efficacy while reducing therapy toxicity. By ensuring precise product delivery specifically to tumor cells, the technique significantly increases treatment safety.

'The recognition of our development by Rospatent and the expert community as one of the best inventions of the 21st century is a tremendous honor and validation of the significance of our scientific research,' stated Natalia Mikhaylova, MD, PhD in Medical Sciences, Scientific Director of the Autonomous Non-Profit Organization 'International Research Center for Innovative Technologies MARTINEX (ANO IRCIT MARTINEX)'. 'Our developed hyaluronic acid modification technology pioneers new horizons in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), offering the prospect of more effective and gentler treatment for oncological diseases. We are confident this invention holds high potential for practical application and can make a significant contribution to the fight against cancer.'