IIT Madras Patents on Indian Spices For Cancer Treatment , Medicine Available by 2028

Science , India :- In a groundbreaking development, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, have successfully patented the use of Indian spices in the treatment of cancer. According to officials, these innovative spice-derived nanomedicines are poised to enter the market by 2028, offering a potential breakthrough in cancer therapy. The nanomedicines have demonstrated significant anti-cancer activity against various types of cancer cells, including lung, breast, colon, cervical, oral, and thyroid, while maintaining safety in normal cells.

The researchers are actively addressing safety and cost issues, which are crucial challenges in current cancer treatments. Recent successful animal studies have paved the way for upcoming clinical trials, with the goal of making these revolutionary medicines available to the public by 2027-28.

Professor R Nagarajan from the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT-Madras highlighted the historic use of Indian spice oils in medicine and emphasized that their bioavailability has limited their application. However, the researchers have overcome this limitation by formulating the spices into a nano-emulsion, ensuring stability in the laboratory. Nagarajan stated, "While mechanistic studies continue to identify active ingredients and their modes of interaction with cancer cells, we are concurrently working on translating positive results from animal studies into clinical trials, aiming for a two to three-year timeline for market availability."

The development of these nanomedicines has been supported by successful animal studies on the patented anti-cancer nano-formulations. Animal validation, dosage adjustments, and efficacy studies have been carried out with funding support from IIT Madras Distinguished Alumnus Awardee and Infosys Co-Founder Gopalakrishnan through Pratiksha Trust.

M Joyce Nirmala, Chief Scientific Officer at IIT Madras' Cancer Nanomedicine and Drug Design Laboratory, emphasized the effectiveness of the patented Indian spice-based nano-formulations in common types of cancers through in-vitro studies. "The drug dosage adjustment and efficacy are now under investigation through animal models, with clinical trials to follow. Our aim is to reduce the cost and pain associated with cancer treatment, along with overcoming toxic side effects seen in existing treatments," Nirmala stated.

India, being the world's largest spice producer, stands to benefit from large-scale, cost-effective production of these cancer nanomedicines. Additionally, the formulations have been designed for oral administration to ease the treatment process, with the chosen spices being edible, ensuring good biocompatibility and reducing toxic side effects.

Nirmala explained, "Plant and spice oils, in general, could influence multiple oncogenic signaling pathways, providing an added advantage in improving the quality of life for cancer patients."

The IIT Madras officials highlighted that nano-oncology has shown promise as an emerging strategy in cancer therapy, diagnosis, and prevention over the last two decades. Cancer nanomedicine is considered superior to conventional treatment strategies due to reduced toxicity, improved drug accumulation, suitable nanometer size spectrum, and increased circulation time.

"Cancer nanomedicine development is crucial in light of the global surge in cancer cases and deaths across all age groups. Breast, lung, and colorectal cancers are the most common worldwide, and according to the World Health Organization, around 400,000 children develop cancer annually," Nirmala explained.

Traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, have been in use since the 1930s. However, these options often come with pain, toxic side effects, lack of targeting efficiency, and high costs. Nirmala emphasized, "As the complete eradication of cancer remains elusive through existing therapies, the role of nanomedicine is assuming greater importance."

The pioneering work at IIT Madras holds tremendous promise in transforming cancer treatment. The use of Indian spices in nano-formulations not only addresses the efficacy concerns but also offers a cost-effective and less painful alternative to existing cancer therapies. As the research progresses towards clinical trials, the potential impact on global cancer care could be revolutionary, providing hope for a future with safer, more accessible, and effective cancer treatments.