JUPITER, Fla. – Florida researchers have uncovered potential drugs to wipeout some of the hardest to treat cancers.
Studies led by Dr. Matthew Disney at the Wertheim U.F. Scripps Institute focused on RNA, a complex molecule that plays a big part in living cells.
Scientists targeted the RNA in three cancer genes that seemed ‘undruggable’.
“And our general focus was just basic science to ask what types of medicines that you take as a pill stick to RNA and based on those data we were able to find that certain molecules that look like they could be made into medicines bind to and disable genes that cause most cancers,” Disney said.
The research is part of an international collaboration that includes scientists at Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa.
While the findings are encouraging, it will be years before these drug candidates reach the clinical trial stage because the mechanism used to degrade RNA has never been used in any drug.
MANY AMERICANS LACK ACCESS TO HEPATITIS-C TREATMENT
A new study reveals that most people lack access to critical hepatitis c drugs.
The Centers for Disease Control blames high costs and insurance restrictions.
While approved antiviral pills cure 95-percent of patients, they cost around $25,000, a price tag many can’t afford.
The issue impacts younger and uninsured patients the most.
RSV VACCINES FOR OLDER ADULTS
Older Americans can soon get vaccinated against Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV.
Two new shots are expected to be ready in the fall.
The CDC said adults over 60 years old should talk with their doctors to see if the vaccines are right for them.
RSV can be dangerous for babies and the elderly.
Adults with heart disease, lung disease, and weakened immune systems are also at a higher risk.