Scientists from the university participating in the world-class REC "Engineering of the Future" of N.P. Ogarev Mordovian State University have developed the world's first photosensitizer operating in the ultraviolet light spectrum against tumors.

The drug consists of nanoparticles with borscht Sosnowski extract in them, which delivers the necessary substances to the tumor tissues through the bloodstream. The death of tumor cells is carried out as follows: first, the drug is injected intravenously in the form of a liposomal solution, and after a certain time, the tumor is irradiated with ultraviolet light.

Initially, this remedy can be used to treat superficial skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinomas and melanomas, as well as bowel and bladder cancers.

"Furanokoumarins — biologically active compounds capable of causing increased sensitivity to sunlight, Sosnovsky hogweed under the influence of ultraviolet light irreversibly bind to the DNA of tumor cells. As a result, they lose the ability to divide and, as a result, die by self-destruction (apoptosis). Liposomes, with the help of which the drug penetrates into tissues more easily, accumulate better in tumors, which makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of drug therapy," said Valentin Ageev, a junior researcher at the Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics and Targeted Pharmacotherapy of the Ogarev Moscow State University.

The development is carried out within the framework of the strategic project of the Ogarev Moscow State University "Medicine of the future: targeted pharmacotherapy and health-saving technologies" under the program of the Ministry of Education and Science "Priority 2030".