Light Induced Activation of Fusarochromanone and its Derivatives for their Use in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer

The University of South Carolina is offering licensing opportunities for an exciting advancement in cancer treatment. Fusarochromanone is a photodynamic therapy that targets cancer cells without destroying healthy cells. It is effective in low doses and has limited side effects.

Fusarochromanone can be used in the treatment of a variety of cancers.

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, and is estimated to cost over $226 billion annually. Moreover, traditional cancer treatments carry the risk of severe, life altering side effects for the patient as they destroy healthy cells with cancer cells.

Fusarochromanone (FC101) is a fluorescent anti-cancer therapy. FC101 accumulates more rapidly in tumor cells than in normal cells. When exposed to light, FC101 produces a reactive oxygen species that kills the tumor cells but leaves the normal cells intact. FC101 can be administered locally and in low does to limit side effects.