Indian researchers have developed RK-251, a potential cancer treatment designed to activate mainly inside cancer cells.
The drug was developed by researchers led by Dr. Asis Bala of IASST and Dr. K.P. Bhabak of IIT Guwahati.
RK-251 works by responding to reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are found at higher levels in cancer cells. Once inside a cancer cell, these molecules activate RK-251 and release the anticancer compound NBDHEX.
NBDHEX blocks proteins that help cancer cells survive and resist treatment. This mechanism could potentially reduce the damage to healthy cells associated with conventional chemotherapy.
In preclinical studies, RK-251 showed strong activity against aggressive triple-negative breast cancer cells. Researchers also reported much lower effects on healthy cells.
Tests using zebrafish embryos showed no obvious signs of toxicity. The drug also resulted in a fluorescence response when exposed to ROS.
The findings were published in the ACS Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. However, further research is required before RK-251 can be tested in human patients.
