Nano drug developed by three Allahabad University researchers holds promise to treatment of TB, inflammation

Prayagraj: Three researchers associated with Allahabad University (AU) have developed a nano drug using tiny particles of gold, platinum and copper that has shown encouraging results in treatment of diseases like TB (tuberculosis) and inflammation simultaneously.

Published in internationally acclaimed journal Future Medicinal Chemistry by Taylor & Francis (UK), the study showcases a novel combination of gold (Au), platinum (Pt) and copper (Cu) nanoparticles that could reshape the future of multi-disease treatment. This drug can enter the body and eliminate two of the most dangerous diseases - TB and inflammation- simultaneously.

According to scientists, the research was confirmed not only in the laboratory but also with advanced computer techniques. The next goal is to test this drug on humans.

This may prove to be a potential game-changer in addressing two critical global health challenges simultaneously.

The team includes Amit Dubey, an alumnus of Allahabad University, Manish Kumar from Iswar Saran Degree College and Aisha Tufail (researchers from AU), and Abhay Bagul from Pune's Forensic Science Laboratory. Their multidisciplinary approach merged hands-on lab work with advanced computational tools to decode the nanofluid's molecular behaviour.

"The effect of the medicine was tested using advanced computer techniques along with the laboratory. Molecular docking showed that this nanofluid binds strongly with the TB bacteria. Also, molecular dynamics proved that this attachment remains stable for a long time," said Dubey.

He added that the biggest contribution of this nanofluid is that it attacks many targets simultaneously, which makes it much more powerful than traditional medicines.

"India bears the highest global burden of TB, with over 24 lakh new cases reported annually. Coupled with rising chronic inflammatory diseases, this innovation offers hope for more effective, low-cost treatments with fewer side effects," said Dubey.

He added that "Our goal was simple but ambitious—create a nanomedicine that doesn't just treat but transforms lives."

The team plans to advance to in-vivo testing and structural optimisation to prepare for potential clinical applications.

"If successful, this India-born innovation could lead the charge in a new era of nanomedicine—one that addresses complex diseases with precision and minimal toxicity," said Dubey.