Uzbek Scientist Develops Compounds Potentially Capable of Forming the Basis for New Anticancer Drugs

Nurkhodja Mukhamedov, a senior research fellow at the Sadikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, has achieved significant success in studying substances that could serve as the foundation for creating new drugs against oncological diseases. These achievements were made during his scientific internship at Debrecen University in Hungary.

Study of Natural Compounds

As part of his work with Hungarian specialists, the scientist studied natural bioactive components using advanced physicochemical and biological methods. The main focus was on toxins extracted from caracurt venom at the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, as well as bufadienolides obtained from green toad venom and their new modifications.

Results of Cancer Cell Testing

Thanks to modern equipment, researchers were able to determine the molecular structure and confirm the chemical composition of these compounds. The most important data were obtained after testing on MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. It was found that some derivatives of arenobufagin are capable of effectively suppressing tumor cell viability even when used in very small doses.

Improving Drug Safety

Furthermore, experiments showed that by chemically modifying arenobufagin, it was possible to significantly reduce its toxic effect on heart cells while maintaining its antitumor activity. According to the study participants, this makes such compounds promising candidates for developing safer anticancer agents.

Methodological Achievements and Support

During his internship, the Uzbek scientist also mastered the Langendorff heart ex-vivo perfusion technique, which is a common tool in modern pharmacology for evaluating new biologically active substances. The internship received financial support from the Fund for Science Financing and Innovation Support of Uzbekistan.

It is also noted that Uzbekistan plans to implement a unified digital system that will provide patient support throughout the entire process of fighting cancer—from detection to treatment and subsequent monitoring of condition.