Photo Source: Punjabi University's Facebook account
Punjabi University research offers breakthroughs in enhancing Chemotherapy and reducing side effects
Babushahi Bureau
Patiala (Punjab), June 15, 2025: In a major scientific advancement, a research project conducted at Punjabi University has found promising solutions to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy in cancer treatment and reduce its severe side effects.
The research has gained international recognition, with more than 130 scientists across the globe citing it in their academic work. Dr. Buddipadige Raju, under the guidance of Prof. Om Silakari from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, conducted the pioneering study focusing on tackling chemoresistance — a key challenge that limits the efficacy of chemotherapy.
Dr. Raju, an ICMR Senior Research Fellow and Ph.D. researcher, is currently serving as Project Scientist-II at the prestigious Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar.
The research particularly focused on the enzyme CYP1B1, which diminishes the effectiveness of widely used chemotherapy drugs such as docetaxel and paclitaxel, often prescribed for breast, lung, and ovarian cancer. The study revealed that this enzyme reduces the drugs' impact, making chemotherapy less effective.
Using advanced Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) techniques — including machine learning, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, 3D-QSAR modeling, and enzyme assays — the researchers identified three clinically approved drugs, chlorprothixene, nadifloxacin, and ticagrelor, that can inhibit CYP1B1.
When administered alongside chemotherapy, these inhibitors significantly enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells to the treatment, showing promising results in preclinical tests.
Prof. Silakari emphasized the importance of this research in addressing a global medical challenge. “Chemoresistance leads to treatment failure and mortality in cancer patients. The identified inhibitors can be used as adjuvant therapy to boost chemotherapy’s success, without introducing new safety risks,” he said.
Dr. Raju explained that network pharmacology studies helped pinpoint CYP1B1 as the key enzyme responsible for resistance to the two drugs. The inhibitors discovered are not only effective but also already approved for clinical use, which accelerates their potential for real-world application after further human or animal trials.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Jagdeep Singh lauded the work, calling it a testament to the university’s commitment to human welfare and high-quality research. “Such prestigious work elevates the global reputation of Punjabi University and reflects our dedication to addressing real-world problems through science,” he said.
This groundbreaking research has been published in several reputed international journals, including ACS Omega, RSC Advances, and the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, positioning Punjabi University as a rising hub of pharmaceutical innovation.