Cancer Pill In India At Rs 100: What Is This And When It Will Be Available In Market?

Yes, you heard it right. India might possibly get a pill priced at just Rs 100 to cure cancer, very soon.

A team of researchers and doctors at the Tata Institute worked for 10 years to develop a tablet, which, according to them, prevents cancer recurrence in patients but also aims to reduce the adverse effects of treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy by 50 per cent, NDTV reported.

"This tablet will be available everywhere for just Rs 100," Dr Rajendra Badve, a senior cancer surgeon at Tata Memorial Hospital, told NDTV.

However, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is yet to give its approval. "TIFR scientists have applied to FSSAI to approve this tablet. After getting the approval, it will be available in the market from June-July. This tablet will help to a great extent in improving cancer treatment," Dr Badve added.

In the study, human cancer cells were implanted into rats, resulting in the formation of tumors. Following treatment with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery, it was observed that dying cancer cells fragmented into small particles known as Chromatin particles. These particles have the potential to transform healthy cells into cancerous ones.

To counteract this process, the researchers administered pro-oxidant tablets containing resveratrol and copper (R+Cu) to the rats.

Dr Badve explained, "The R+Cu tablets generate Oxygen radicals, which destroy Chromatin Particles."

He said that the tablets, when consumed, release Oxygen radicals in the stomach. These radicals are swiftly absorbed into the bloodstream, hindering the spread of cancer cells and lessening the harmful effects of chemotherapy.

The researchers have dubbed this phenomenon as the "Magic of R+Cu" in their presentation. This tablet is anticipated to halve the side effects of cancer treatment therapy and reduce the risk of cancer coming back by around 30%. It demonstrates effectiveness against different types of cancer, including those impacting the pancreas, lungs, and mouth.

"The effect on side-effects were tested on both rats and humans, but the prevention test was done only on rats. It will take about five years to complete the human trials for this," the doctor added.