Centre for Plant-Derived, Nanoemulsion-Based Cancer Drug Discovery
Principal Investigator
Prof. R. Nagarajan
Objective
- To identify the best-suited carcinoma cell lines where Indian spice-derived nanoemulsions would work with the highest affinity, To use scientific evidence to identify the molecular mechanisms behind the anticancer activity, To validate the cell-line findings via animal trials and via toxicity and pharmacokinetic studies
Description
- Plant-based essential oils ? with age-old demonstrated efficacy in pharmaceutical applications ? offer innovative alternatives to synthetic drugs, paving the way for this IIT Madras initiative that pioneers cancer drug discovery using Indian spice-derived nanoemulsions. By identifying best-suited carcinoma cell lines, uncovering molecular mechanisms of anticancer activity, and validating findings through animal trials and pharmacokinetic studies, the project aims to overcome toxic side-effects of current treatments ? delivering cost-effective, safer oncology therapies to India's large and diverse patient population within 5?10 years.
Impact
- The toxic side-effects experienced by many when undergoing today's approved cancer treatments could conceivably be overcome by the proposed work, Established contacts and engaged in preliminary discussions with two Indian pharmaceutical companies