The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Lovely Professional University (LPU) has developed a new technology, Targeted Release Microsphere of 5-FU (5-fluorouracil), which is useful in overcoming the side effects of the drugs used in treatment of colon cancer. Developed indigenously by the dean, faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Dr Monica Gulati and her team at LPU, they have also got their patent (PCT) published in 140 countries vide Publication No. WO/ 2012/035561.
Highlighting the importance of the anti-cancer medicine Dr Gulati explained more about the side effects of colon cancer treatment. She informed, “The side-effects depend on the type of treatment and differ from person to person. In general, anticancer drugs affect cells that divide rapidly especially blood cells, cells in hair roots and cells that line the digestive tract. When drugs affect these cells, patients are more likely to get infections, bruise, hair loss, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth and lip sores or feel very weak and tired. Almost similar effects can occur during radiation and biological therapy. However, many of these side effects of colon cancer chemotherapy can be controlled with drugs. For this reason, our department strived to invent the remedy and further collaborated with a top pharmaceutical company.”
Congratulating Dr Gulati and her team for their remarkable achievement, Ashok Mittal, Chancellor, LPU said, “The research facilities at the University are being extended to aim at the world class innovations and research in the university. The present patent which has already been published for 140 countries has further motivated us to perform better.”
Realising the potential of the invention, an MOU has been signed between LPU and a pharmaceutical company called Rhydburg at Dehradun in India. Rhydburg is a manufacturer and exporter of pharmaceuticals – tablets, injections, beta lactam, syrups, capsules etc.
Illustrative, a patent for the development of Targeted Release Microsphere of 5-FU had been filed vide International patent application No.PCT/IN2011/000642.
EH News Bureau