US patent for Jamaican anti-cancer weed
Lawrence Williams and George Levy, from the College of Health Sciences at the University of Technology, Jamaica, discovered the composition and method for treating cancer by isolating the active ingredient dibenzyl trisulphide (DTS) in the plant.
The patent covers guinea hen weed-derived DTS’s effective, potent anti-proliferation and/or cytotoxic activity on a range of cancer cell lines.
It also comprises providing DTS derivatives, and the methods used to isolate DTS and its derivatives, in effective dosage for anti-proliferation and/or cytotoxic activity on cell lines.
“DTS is classified as a polysulphide mitogen with a wide spectrum of activity including anti-proliferation and or anti-cytotoxic effect on human cancer cells,” explained the University.
“DTS also acts to stimulate the production of stem cells from bone marrow and thymus with very little toxic effect.”
A University spokesperson told in-PharmaTechnologist the researchers may sell or sub-contract the technology.
“The researchers will explore the options of either selling the patent to a US drug company if they receive a ‘good offer’, or may opt to sub-contract the patent to a US drug company, depending on the offer made,” the spokesperson told us.
Williams and Levy said they plan to apply for other patents, but did not disclose details.
