Your World of Legal Intelligence
 United Kingdom | +44 (0) 20 7284 8080

Edinburgh scientists invent game-changing cancer drug that can hunt down cells

Document Cited in Related
Vincent
Published date31 May 2021
AuthorJames Delaney
Scientists from the University of Edinburgh believe the SeNBD molecule can trick cancerous cells into ingesting them when combined with a chemical food compound without harming healthier cells.

The molecule - which is smaller than existing light-sensitive treatments - can pass through the body's defences more easily, according to research carried out on human and zebrafish cells.

But further tests are required to determine whether the drug can be used as a safe and quick method of treating early stage cancers and drug-resistant bacteria.

SeNBD is categorised as a 'photosensitiser' - meaning it can only kill cells after it has been activated by a visible light.

Researchers who invented the drug have compared it to a Trojan horse and describe its effect as that of a metabolic warhead.

Dr Sam Benson, Post-doctoral researcher, at University of Edinburgh's Centre for Inflammation, said: "With SeNBD, we can combine a light activated drug with the food that cancerous and bacterial cells normally eat.

"This means we can deliver our 'Trojan horse' directly through the front door of the cell rather than trying to find a way to batter through the cells defences."

According to the research, published in the Nature Communications journal, most...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT