Tuesday, 13th September 2005 (4713 views)

Drugs using gold nanoparticles will shortly be going into the clinical arena when they are used in clinical trials against cancer.

CytImmune Sciences has announced that it will start producing its first tumour-targeting biotherapeutic, which will subsequently be used in National Cancer institute sponsored clinical trials.

CytImmune will be harnessing colloidal gold nanoparticles, which have previously been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, to carry anti-cancer therapeutics directly to the tumours.

Nanobiotechnology harnesses gold nanoparticles to effectively deliver drugs by pinpointing the exact site of the tumour rather than damaging surrounding tissue with cancer drugs.

The pegylated colloidal gold nanoparticles are injected into the circulation and can selectively accumulate in and around solid tumours.

Speaking about this landmark event, CytImmune's chief executive officer and president, Dr. Larry Tamarkin, commented: "The convergence of nanotechnology and medicine isn't just an empty promise; new developments in nanobiotechnology now will enable us to give new hope to patients suffering from cancer."

"By leveraging the clinical benefit of potent anti-cancer agents and pairing them with CytImmune's proprietary technology, we can deliver greater efficacy with fewer side effects for oncology patients," he continued.

Following clinical trials, there is potential for other cancer fighting drugs to be administered via the colloidal gold nanoparticles as scientists have found them to carry almost any molecule.

Gold is of particular use in nanotechnology as it is resistant to surface oxidation, its chemistry also allows sulphur-containing molecules to be attached to it.

 

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