Scientists Unveil New DNA-Damaging Molecules for Cancer Therapy

Researchers at Dublin City University (DCU) in Ireland, alongside teams from Chimie ParisTech – PSL in France, Chalmers University of Technology and Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden, and the University of Limerick, have developed an innovative method for creating metal-based compounds that can damage the DNA of cancer cells. This breakthrough, announced on February 10, 2026, suggests a promising new avenue for the development of anticancer drugs.

The project, led by Prof Andrew Kellett, focuses on early-stage compounds that may serve as a foundation for future therapies, especially for cancers known to develop resistance to conventional treatments. The research team employed a technique called click chemistry, which allows for the efficient assembly of molecular components. This led to the creation of a family of compounds known as tri-click ligands. When these ligands are combined with copper ions, they form artificial metallo-nucleases, molecules specifically designed to cleave DNA.

One of the major obstacles in cancer treatment is the issue of drug resistance. Tumours often adapt by repairing specific DNA damage or obstructing the action of existing drugs. A significant advantage of this new approach is that the compounds target DNA through mechanisms distinct from those utilized by many current therapies, potentially bypassing the pathways that contribute to drug resistance.

Prof Kellett highlighted the transformative potential of click chemistry in the field of drug development, stating, “Click chemistry has transformed how we build complex molecules, but its potential as a platform to assemble DNA-damaging chemotherapeutics is under-explored. One of the major challenges in cancer treatment is drug resistance. By developing compounds that damage DNA in a different way, we aim to open up new possibilities for overcoming some of the limitations of existing therapies. While this research is still at an early stage, it provides a valuable platform for future drug development.”

In addition, Prof Damien Thompson, Director of the SSPC, the Research Ireland Centre for Pharmaceuticals and professor of molecular modelling at the University of Limerick, emphasized the importance of thorough molecular screening in creating more effective treatments. He stated, “This work exemplifies the value of systematic, deep screening of molecular properties in the development of more effective medicines. Support from SSPC enabled strong collaboration between our experimental and modelling teams, and this new design strategy marks a key milestone in developing sustainable, well-tolerated anticancer drugs.”

Prof Gilles Gasser, a specialist in Bioinorganic Chemistry at Chimie ParisTech, pointed to the significance of metal-based compounds in cancer research, suggesting that this work goes beyond the widely used platinum-based drugs. He remarked, “While still in its infancy, this study is a first step towards new solutions for cancer treatment.”

This research represents a collaborative effort among top scientists in Europe and highlights the potential for new therapies that could address the critical challenge of drug resistance in cancer treatment. As the project progresses, there is hope that these innovative compounds will lead to the development of more effective and sustainable anticancer drugs.