University of Opole scholar participates in research on advancing cancer treatment

As part of the Horizon Europe program, Dr. Agnieszka Rombel-Bryzek is participating in research activities at the Research Center of the Institute of Pharmacy, focusing on the synthesis of potential inhibitors of the ATIC enzyme. Presenting the ongoing research at Yerevan State University and the expected outcomes, she emphasized: "Here, we are engaged in the synthesis of novel chemical compounds aimed at inhibiting the main stage of DNA synthesis in cancer cells. This project represents a significant step towards the development of innovative therapeutic approaches in oncology and may contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression. In the next phase of the research, the synthesized compounds will undergo testing both in vitro and in vivo."

Speaking about the capacities of the Research Center of the Institute of Pharmacy, Dr. Rombel Bryzek noted that the staff possesses extensive professional experience in the synthesis of organic compounds with potential therapeutic applications: "Their involvement in the European Commission-funded Horizon Europe program provides strong scientific support and significantly increases the likelihood of achieving the intended objectives." 

The foreign researcher highlighted that working for a month with the scientists of the Research Center of the Institute of Pharmacy was an excellent opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills in the field of synthesizing potentially pharmacologically active compounds: "The collaboration with the Institute of Pharmacy also promotes the exchange of knowledge and experience, laying the groundwork for future joint research initiatives." 

It is important to highlight that YSU Institute of Pharmacy, as a beneficiary partner, is involved in the research conducted under the European Commission-funded Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Staff Exchanges (MSCA Staff Exchanges) program, as part of the grant project titled "Disrupting Purine De Novo Biosynthesis to Fight Cancer – From Molecules to Cells to In Vivo Studies (PurHumanDrome)."  

As part of the project, the first phase of research aimed at advancing cancer treatment commenced at YSU in March. Participants included Dr. Paweł Lenartowicz, a researcher in the Institute of Chemistry and Pharmacy at the University of Opole (Poland), and Dr. Przemysław Domaszewski, Deputy Director of the Institute of Health Sciences.