Kazakhstan joins global effort to combat melanoma with groundbreaking drug
Kazakhstani scientists, in collaboration with an international research team, have contributed to the development of a groundbreaking new class of drugs with the potential to transform melanoma treatment, Kazinform News Agency reports.
Already showing strong results in laboratory trials, the drug is moving closer to preclinical testing.
A collaborative effort between researchers from Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan, Edinburgh Napier University, and Chung-Ang and Dongguk Universities has led to the development of Raf kinase inhibitors, aimed at addressing key shortcomings in current treatments.
Dr. Ahmed Elkamhawy, an assistant professor at Nazarbayev University’s School of Sciences and Humanities and a specialist in medicinal chemistry, leads the Nazarbayev team, which includes one PhD student and six undergraduates.
Dr. Elkamhawy discussed the uniqueness of the drug, highlighting its innovative strategy for targeting melanoma at the molecular level and its promise in addressing resistance encountered in existing treatments.
“We are designing new drug compounds that target Raf kinase, a key protein involved in melanoma progression. Inhibitors are targeted drugs that block cancer growth at the molecular level,” he said, adding that “while melanoma is currently treated with chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, many patients develop resistance to existing treatments. Our newly discovered Raf kinase inhibitors offer a promising new approach to stopping melanoma progression, potentially leading to a more effective and personalized treatment option.”
The scientist also highlighted the team's commitment to advancing the research, emphasizing that they are preparing for preclinical studies.
“This breakthrough holds immense potential for developing a new and more effective treatment, and we are fully committed to pushing it forward as quickly as possible,” he stated.
Melanoma cases are rising in Kazakhstan and globally. In 2022, Kazakhstan reported over 19,700 skin cancer cases, including 2,600 melanomas, while the International Agency for Research on Cancer estimated 330,000 new global melanoma cases and nearly 60,000 deaths.
Earlier, Kazinform reported that Iran is set to unveil a new anti-cancer vaccine in the summer of 2025.
