Shasun Pharmaceuticals has approached the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) for technical assistance in its $2-million nano-technology project.
The company is engaged in pre-clinical animal trials in the US for cancer therapy using gold nano particles. It hopes to conduct trials on human beings in India this year.
Shasun has already had discussions with doctors and hospitals in the country for the clinical trials. The company also requires the support of the BARC in “converting latent gold into radioactive nano-particles,” said Mr Jatin Vimal, Vice-President — Biotech & Nanotech.
“We have approached BARC for assistance in handling radioactive particles. BARC is keen on the idea. The organisation will review our proposal and come back to us soon with a way forward, following clearances from higher authorities.”
In the meantime, following regulatory nod, Shasun plans to ship radioactive gold from the US through its project partner, the University of Missouri.
The project's aim is to inject radioactive gold nano-particles into solid tumour which can kill the tumour in a few days without the need for external chemo or radiotherapy.
“Initial toxicity and efficacy studies on dogs – both cancer-induced and naturally-occurring cancers – have also shown good response,” said Mr Vimal.
Shasun will soon present its pre-clinical trial findings to the Indian drug authorities for approval, upon which it can start clinical trials on patients afflicted with oral cancer.
The company entered into this joint venture with the US-based Nanoparticle Biochem Inc, with the support of University of Missouri, in 2010.
Shasun's share price closed 0.65 per cent higher at Rs 46.25 on Monday at the BSE.