Hungarian researchers have achieved promising results in the development of an experimental anti-cancer drug that could offer a new chance for patients with difficult-to-treat tumors. Animal tests have shown that the drug can completely destroy certain tumors, even from the first administration.
The drug, called LiPyDau, is based on a modified version of a compound used in chemotherapy. The researchers claim that the active substance is up to 1,000 times more effective in destroying tumor cells compared to conventional drugs, according to Mediafax.
The main challenge, however, was the high toxicity of the compound, which, in its simple form, would also affect healthy cells. The problem was solved by encapsulating the drug in liposomal particles – small “bubbles” made of a fat-like material. This technology allows the active substance to reach tumors directly, while protecting healthy tissue.
Spectacular results in animal tests
In preclinical tests, the drug stopped the growth of breast, skin and lung tumors. In the case of an extremely aggressive breast cancer, the tumor disappeared completely and did not come back, with some results obtained after a single dose. The researchers describe these results as “surprisingly good”demonstrating the strong efficacy of the drug in the initial phases of studies.
Although LiPyDau is still in the preclinical phase, the research team hopes to continue testing on larger models and obtain the necessary approvals for human clinical trials, which could take several years. If all goes according to plan, the drug could become one of the first anti-cancer treatments developed in Hungary.
What it means for patients
Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which can cause severe side effects and is not effective for all types of tumors, LiPyDau aims to destroy cancer cells with minimal impact on healthy tissue. This could pave the way for safer and more effective treatments for patients with aggressive forms of cancer.
