The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Lovely Professional University (LPU) has got their patent (PCT) published in 140 countries for the development of Targeted Release Microsphere of 5-FU (5-fluorouracil) vide Publication No. WO/ 2012/035561. This new technology is useful in overcoming the side effects of the drugs used in treatment of colon cancer and has been developed indigenously by the dean, faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Dr Monica Gulati and her team at LPU.
Realising the potential of the invention, an MoU has been signed between LPU and a Dehradun, India-based pharmaceutical company Rhydburg India. Rhydburg manufactures and exports tablets, injections, beta lactam, syrups, capsules etc.
Extending felicitations to Dr Gulati and her team from the University’s School of Pharmaceutical Sciences for their remarkable achievement, Ashok Mittal, Chancellor, LPU said, The research facilities at the University are being extended to aim at the world class innovations and research in the university. The present patent which has already been published for 140 countries has further motivated us to perform better.
He added, During severe medical treatments, certain side effects of many medicines have claimed human lives, leading to an incalculable precious drain on human talent and resources. This development is indeed a great endeavour towards welfare of humanity.
Speaking in this context, Ashok Monga, Director, Rhydburg, said, With the team of LPU coming out with such a needed medicine, we can easily make out that India is fast realising its intellectual potential and the next era will see a lot more technological advancements from Indian scientists like those at LPU.
Highlighting the importance of the anti-cancer medicine Dr Gulati explained more about the side effects of colon cancer treatment. She informed, The side-effects depend on the type of treatment and differ from person to person. In general, anticancer drugs affect cells that divide rapidly especially blood cells, cells in hair roots and cells that line the digestive tract. When drugs affect these cells, patients are more likely to get infections, bruises, hair loss, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, mouth and lip sores or feel very weak and tired. Almost similar effects can occur during radiation and biological therapy. However, many of these side effects of colon cancer chemotherapy can be controlled with drugs. For this reason, our department strived to invent the remedy and further collaborated with a top pharma company.
EP News Bureau