Design, synthesis and development of prodigiosin analogues for breast cancer chemotherapy

A novel range of compounds for the treatment of breast cancer will be developed. These novel compounds have been designed utilizing the basic structure of a naturally occurring molecule called prodigiosin as a starting point; prodigiosin exhibits activity against, and selectivity for, breast cancer cells. Synthetic organic chemistry will be conducted in order to alter the prodigiosin skeleton such that new drug molecules with improved properties will be prepared. Their effectiveness for the treatment of breast cancer will be thoroughly evaluated, and further generations of modified compounds will then be designed, utilizing the results of testing. Breast cancer affects more women than any other form of cancer and is the leading cause of premature death of Canadian women. Although the prognoses for those affected by breast cancer is generally improving, largely due to early diagnosis, the availability of effective and tolerable treatments is still unsatisfactory. It is thus evident that the development of new pharmaceuticals for the treatment and cure of cancer is imperative to the health and well-being of the people of our country and elsewhere.