IASST and IIT Guwahati develop 'smart' cancer drug RK-251
Researchers from IASST and IIT Guwahati have developed RK-251, a 'smart' cancer drug designed to activate mainly inside cancer cells, the Science Ministry said on 19 August 2026.
Summary
Researchers led by Dr Asis Bala of the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), an autonomous DST institute in Guwahati, and Dr K. P. Bhabak of IIT Guwahati have developed a 'smart' cancer drug called RK-251, the Science Ministry said on 19 August 2026. RK-251 is triggered by the high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside cancer cells, which release the anticancer compound NBDHEX that blocks proteins cancer cells use to survive. In preclinical studies the drug showed strong activity against aggressive triple-negative breast cancer cells with much less effect on healthy cells, and zebrafish embryo tests showed no obvious toxicity. The work is published in the ACS Journal of Medicinal Chemistry; more studies are needed before human trials.
Key facts
- Drug
- RK-251
- Developed by
- IASST (DST) and IIT Guwahati
- Trigger
- High reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer cells
- Active compound
- NBDHEX
- Tested against
- Triple-negative breast cancer cells (preclinical)
- Published in
- ACS Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which institutions developed the 'smart' cancer drug RK-251 announced in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — IASST Guwahati and IIT Guwahati
RK-251 was developed by researchers from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, and IIT Guwahati.
What triggers the activation of the cancer drug RK-251 inside cancer cells?
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Correct answer: B — High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Cancer cells produce high levels of reactive oxygen species; these trigger RK-251 to release the anticancer compound NBDHEX.
Consider the following statements about RK-251: 1. On activation it releases the anticancer compound NBDHEX. 2. In preclinical studies it showed strong activity against triple-negative breast cancer cells. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Zebrafish embryo tests showed no obvious toxicity, but more studies are needed before patient trials.