Indian Scientists Unveil ‘Smart’ Cancer Drug That Zeroes In on Tumours
What Happened
Researchers from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, and IIT Guwahati have developed a new experimental cancer drug called RK-251, designed to remain largely inactive in healthy tissues and activate primarily inside cancer cells. The drug exploits the fact that many cancer cells contain high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). When RK-251 encounters these conditions, it releases an anticancer compound called NBDHEX, which attacks proteins that help tumours survive and resist treatment.
Key Takeaways
The discovery could pave the way for more precise and less toxic cancer treatments, although the drug is still in the preclinical research stage and must undergo further testing before human trials can be considered.