Biologically-inspired copper chelates prove effective

Patients suffering from Wilson’s disease—which causes copper to accumulate in the liver—could soon benefit from a new, more effective treatment with minimal side effects. Researchers at INAC and DSM (the CEA’s materials science division) have synthesized molecules capable of targeting liver cells to trap the copper. The molecules use coordination sites, much like small proteins known for their copper-trapping ability.

Preclinical testing began over a year ago in conjunction with iRTSV and DSV (the CEA’s life science division). The researchers recently published their results with a new molecule with the same architecture. This time, they sought their inspiration in a more complex protein, whose role is to promote the entry of copper into the cell. And once again, the molecule was proven effective as a copper chelate.

Contact: christelle.gateau@cea.fr

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