Neoleukin-2/15 can be split into two fragments that reconstitute its activity when combined. medicalxpress.com
A new study shows that when an experimental cancer medication is split in half, the molecule becomes safer and more effective.
Scientists at the University of Washington School of Medicine were looking for ways to improve a promising cancer drug called Neo-2/15. This protein was created to mimic the function of Interleukin-2, or IL-2, which is a natural molecule that can amp up immune cells to fight off infections and cancer.
While IL-2 can be used to treat some cancers, this systemic cytokine therapy also causes toxic side effects in patients. The scientists designed Neo-2/15 to be a “better version” of IL-2, one where those side effects are mediated.
“By controlling when and where drugs become active in the body, we may be able to create safer and more effective cancer treatments,” said Quijano-Rubio.
by Ian Haydon, University of Washington School of Medicine
Article can be accessed on: MedicalXpress