Faculty of Health Sciences
School of Medicine
Department of Pharmacology
Selected Highlights from Research Findings
The Cancer Consortium housed in the Department of Pharmacology has been involved in the design, synthesis and testing of new compounds for specific activity against cancer cells.
As a result of their research, two molecules have been identified that possess superior anticancer activity. These two molecules – a methotrexate polymer and a platinum polymer – will be undergoing animal testing and possibly also clinical testing during the next three years.
In vivo tests will also be conducted on a riminophenazine derivative, together with either a polymer or a unique carrier molecule (the latter being a specially designed molecule that is attached to a drug to improve its delivery to the tumour).
This unique carrier molecule was developed by Prof DL Morris of the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Further screening of new compounds will continue.
The BIOPAD initiative of the South African Government has indicated that they are prepared to sponsor the development of the most promising candidates for commercialization purposes.
If these plans come to fruition, the compounds will be sold to pharmaceutical companies and may eventually be marketed as effective anticancer drugs.
Prof CEJ Van Rensburg-Medlen
Pharmacology
+27 (0) 12 319 2622
cmedlen@med.up.ac.za
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