Scientists from the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague), led by Dr. Miloslav Polášek, have developed a new method for safely and stably binding rare metal elements – lanthanoids – within drug molecules. Their technique, called ClickZip, results in compounds up to a million times more stable than those currently used in medicine. The findings were published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications.

This breakthrough could significantly improve contrast agents used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which often contain toxic metals like gadolinium. The new compounds are not only safer but also allow for highly precise tracking of drug distribution in the body. This could speed up the development of new treatments and reduce the need for animal testing.

The technology is already patented, and the researchers are seeking partners to bring it to the medical and industrial markets. The research was supported by the EXCELES program and the CarDia project.

Original article:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-53867-1

Video and more information from IOCB Prague:

https://www.uochb.cz/en/news/662/molecular-trap-for-rare-metals-from-iocb-prague-promises-better-diagnostics-and-faster-drug-development

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