Indian scientists have developed a new “smart” cancer drug, RK-251, designed to target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.
- Developed by: Scientists from Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) and IIT-Guwahati.
- Drug name: RK-251.
- How it works: It is activated by high levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) commonly found inside cancer cells.
- Active compound released: NBDHEX, which targets proteins that help cancer cells survive and resist treatment.
- Key advantage: Designed to remain relatively inactive in healthy tissues, potentially reducing damage caused by conventional chemotherapy.
- Preclinical results: Showed strong activity against triple-negative breast cancer cells.
- Safety testing: Zebrafish embryo studies showed no obvious signs of toxicity.
- Research significance: Fluorescence produced by the drug confirmed its activation in an ROS-rich environment.
- Current status: Preclinical stage; further studies are needed before human clinical trials.
- Published in: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, an American Chemical Society (ACS) publication.
