Daniella Gálvez

Developed in the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology laboratories, a natural, liter-extract based ointment is transforming the veterinary treatment of melanoma—the most aggressive skin cancer—in horses and pets. This innovation is expected to have an international impact.

The innovative treatment was developed by academics Dr. Leonel Rojo and Dr. Claudio Acuña. Beginning in 2026, Kawell—a company dedicated to equine and pet wellness with operations in Chile and the United States—will be responsible for the international marketing and distribution of the product.

Since mid-April, Danilo Átila, a master’s student in Food Science and Technology at the Federal University of Goiás (Brazil), has been doing a research internship at the Polymer Laboratory of the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, under the guidance of Dr. Paula Zapata, thanks to full funding from his university.

As a guest student until September, his time at Usach is part of his master’s program in Chemistry. He chose Usach due to the prestige and proven track record of both the university and the academic overseeing his work in Chile.