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``We discovered a peptide that has the capacity of inhibiting heat shock protein 27 (HSP 27) responsible for tolerance to many anti-cancer drugs,' Lee Yun-sil, head of the research team, said.
``When the peptide is used together with any anti-cancer drug, the latter's efficiency will substantially improve. We will put forth efforts toward that end,' the 45-year-old said.
Lee projected the peptide will debut in the market in approximately five years at the earliest.
Recent data showed one in four Koreans suffer from at least one kind of cancer throughout their life with many of them dying due to the deadly disease.
``After obtaining a local patent, we applied for an international one, which will create a big market down the road,' Lee said.
``In addition, we are planning to start pre-clinical tests soon in order to check the viability of the peptide. We expect good results,' she said.
It has been well known that HSP 27, which is highly expressed in human lung and breast cancer tissues, induces resistance to cell death against drugs.
Based on such knowledge, scientists across the world have tried to find a substance that can restrain HSP 27 but failed to do so for some reason.
The findings of Lee and her associates, financially sponsored by the Korean government, were featured at the latest edition of Cancer Research, an illustrious peer-reviewed journal.
Copyright 2007 The Korea Times Company Ltd, Source: The Financial Times Limited
Provider:
Financial Times / Asia Africa Intelligence Wire
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