In a major breakthrough in the field of science and research activities initiated from India, a team of researchers from B V Patel Pharmaceutical Education Research (PERD) Centre and Louisiana State University (LSU), USA have jointly developed a unique anti cancer component to treat advanced prostate cancer.

As per the data shared by PERD, the component which recently completed its pre clinical study is found to have a superior effect on patients compared to all the other medications currently available in the market for treating advanced prostate cancer.

At present, they are looking out to collaborate with potential companies so as to transfer this technology to the interested party to further develop this product into an effective drug for public welfare. Currently, no treatments can cure advanced prostate cancer; however, with the help of certain drugs one can slow the spread of advanced prostate cancer and relieve symptoms which often cause side effects that some times outweighs the benefits of treatment. Initial research studies have shown that this novel component developed by PERD and LSU has the potential to provide a better treatment option that will cause fewer side effects with better disease control, and longer survival rates.

Studies have shown that this anti-cancer component has a very promising future to be developed into an effective medication against cancer. Recognising the potential of this research initiative, PERD and LSU was granted with the US patent just recently for the discovery of this novel component.  To ensure further protection of the intellectual property right (IPR) of their component they have applied for patents in India, Canada, Europe and Australia as well which is also expected to get through soon.

The compound was first synthesised at the PERD centre and was later sent to LSU for further testing wherein it was analysed with potential for further development, from this point LSU actively collaborated with PERD for further research on this compound. Dr Manish Nivsarkar, director, PERD informed that the researchers from PERD had put in their best efforts in this project right from the beginning from doing all the groundwork to the final stages of developing this novel compound which was initiated by them early in 2005 and it took almost seven years of hard work and struggle from dedicated researchers from both the sides to get the desired result.

He added, “It is a matter of great pride for us that such research initiatives are being developed by our students and researchers and it reinstates not only our belief in strengthening the research activities but it also acts as an encouragement to attract more students to take up such proactive research oriented initiatives in future as well. India does not lack in talent nor in resourcefulness but where we lack is in the encouragement to support this talent. If we balance this dynamics properly we sure can come out with many more novel ideas and discoveries.”

He further informed that research based work is an on going process at PERD wherein at present it is working on many important research projects in the field of leishmaniasis, diabetes, TB and contraceptives to name a few. Most of these projects are done in with collaboration with LSU.