Nanoparticles that induce death specifically in cancer cells are drawing attention as potential future anti-cancer therapeutics.

At the recent '2021 Bio-Venture Competition & Congress' hosted by the Future Medicine Research Foundation, Minhee Park, Director of Research at THEDONEE Co., Ltd., presented research on anti-cancer therapy using iron nanoparticles under the theme 'Development of Ferroptosis-based Targeted Anti-cancer Drug Candidates.'

Currently, there are no anti-cancer drugs based on ferroptosis yet; however, there are examples using platinum-based compounds like cisplatin and paclitaxel. Therefore, the market competitiveness requires further emphasis. The research plans to diversify formulations to achieve precise targeting. Particularly for nanoparticles, safety issues related to toxicity are a concern, so the study will continue with FDA-approved safe materials.

Professor Hyosu Kim, who chaired the session, expressed expectations saying, "While we may not expect a synergistic effect by utilizing ferroptosis, if an auxiliary effect is anticipated, it could provide benefits such as extending survival."