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Russian Researchers Could Pave the Way for New-Generation Anticancer Drugs

© Sputnik / FEFURussian Rresearchers Could Pave the Way for New-Generation Anticancer Drugs
Russian Rresearchers Could Pave the Way for New-Generation Anticancer Drugs - Sputnik International
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A team of young scientists from Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) is conducting research to develop a new generation of anticancer drugs based on marine sponge pigment capable of blocking the multiplication of malignant tumors, the university press service reported.

MOSCOW (RIA Novosti) — Maxim Zhidkov, a member of the team and senior lecturer in the organic chemistry department, said the team has synthesized alkaloid fascaplysin, which he described as a majority achievement.

"This red pigment was first produced from sponge Fascaplysinopsis sp. (family Thorectidae) in the Pacific and Indian Oceans back in 1988," he said.

© Sputnik / FEFURussian Researchers
Russian Researchers  - Sputnik International
Russian Researchers

"We are currently modifying the fascaplysin structure to improve its therapeutic index, which is a key indicator — the ratio of a drug's lethal dose to its effective dose that identifies the scope of its safe use. This is a very promising line in developing a new generation of anticancer drugs," he said.

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The problem is that essential natural compounds can only be obtained in extremely small quantities. So the scientists are now focused on "developing a method of synthesis making it possible to obtain natural compounds in amounts sufficient for comprehensive bio-tests," the press service said.

At present, the in vitro study of natural compounds that have potential for becoming anticancer drugs is almost complete and FEFU researchers will soon begin in vivo studies. 

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