Key Takeaways
- Johns Hopkins researchers have patented a new crystal form of the 40-year-old deworming drug mebendazole
- Polymorph C can effectively cross the blood-brain barrier and reach brain tumors at high concentrations
- The reformulated drug shows promise against multiple cancers including gliomas, breast, colon and pancreatic cancers
- Existing safety profile could accelerate clinical trials compared to new experimental drugs
In what’s being hailed as a cancer treatment breakthrough, scientists have redesigned a common deworming medication to effectively target cancer cells. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have patented a new crystal form of mebendazole called polymorph C that demonstrates significantly improved anti-cancer properties.
Superior Brain Penetration
The key advantage of polymorph C is its ability to cross the protective blood-brain barrier, which typically blocks most chemotherapy drugs. According to the patent awarded in September 2021, an oral formulation containing at least 90% polymorph C reaches brain tumors at concentrations high enough to kill cancer cells.
“As an oral drug, mebendazole polymorph C is a superior form, and it reaches the brain and brain tumors in effective concentrations,” states the patent document.
Broad Cancer Fighting Potential
The inventors identified polymorph C as effective against numerous cancer types including:
- Brain tumors (gliomas and medulloblastomas)
- Breast, colon and lung cancers
- Pancreatic, thyroid and ovarian cancers
- Prostate cancer, melanoma and sarcomas
The drug may also serve as a chemopreventative agent for high-risk individuals.
Enhanced Effectiveness with Combination Therapy
Researchers found that combining polymorph C with elacridar, a P-glycoprotein inhibitor, prevents cancer cells from pumping out the drug. This combination showed increased tumor suppression in mouse studies, though higher doses caused some toxicity including weight loss.
Another approach pairs mebendazole with anti-inflammatory drugs like celecoxib, potentially reducing cancer risk in vulnerable populations.
Accelerated Development Timeline
Since mebendazole has been safely used since the 1970s and is available over-the-counter in some countries, the new formulation could progress to clinical trials faster than completely novel drugs.
However, researchers caution that success in mice doesn’t guarantee human effectiveness. Determining proper dosing and potential drug interactions remains crucial for future studies.
If clinical trials confirm these early results, mebendazole could become an affordable, effective cancer therapy based on a medication doctors already trust.
