Scientists from the Russian Technological University (RTU MIREA) have become the authors of photo-switchable drugs (pharmaceutical substances) that can be activated in the body and desactivated after the desired effect is achieved. The development will reduce the risks of side effects of drugs, the university’s press service told TASS. Special molecules in these drugs are able to change their structure under the influence of light.
«The drugs being created will have two forms, one of which is active and the other is not. Switching between forms is reversible, which makes it possible to control the effect of drugs», — the researchers from the university explained.
The authors believe that the introduction of such drugs will reduce the side effects. MIREA is currently working on the creation of painkillers, as well as drugs for the treatment of arrhythmias, based on photo-switchable molecules.
«Traditional methods of treating arrhythmias, such as ablation, can scar the heart, provoking new rhythm disturbances. Light-controlled antiarrhythmic agents make it possible to „reset” problem areas of the heart and restore their normal functioning without negative consequences. This is a breakthrough in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia. We can temporarily deactivate problem areas, and then restore their function», — explained Mikhail Grin, head of the Department of Chemistry and Technology of Biologically Active Compounds, Medical and Organic Chemistry at RTU MIREA, quoted by the university’s press service.
The first stage of the anesthetic’s development has been completed, and scientists have proven its effectiveness in animal model. The research involves scientists from the National Research Nuclear University of MIPT, and the Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute (branch of the NMRC of Radiology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation). The findings of the research are published in the Biofizika (Biophysics) journal.
