On June 24th, the prestigious National Science and Technology Conference, along with the National Science and Technology Awards Ceremony, convened in Beijing. Among the distinguished winners, a team led by Professor SHEN Youqing from College of Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE), Zhejiang University (ZJU) stood out. Their groundbreaking project, "Construction and Functional Regulation of Polymer Drug Delivery Carriers," has been honored with the Second Prize of the National Natural Science Award. This award marks the first time ZJU CBE has received such a prominent prize at national level.
Project Overview:
The research, led by Professor SHEN and his team, addresses a critical challenge in the field of tumor-targeted drug delivery. The project involves the development of advanced polymer-based drug delivery carriers, a technology with the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment.
Key Contributors:
Prof. SHEN Youqing（center), Prof. GU Zhen，Prof. ZHOU Zhuxian (second from the right), Prof. TANG Jianbin (behind), Prof. SHAO Shiqun (the far right)
Innovative Approach to Tumor-Targeted Drug Delivery:
While tumor-targeted drug delivery systems are prevalently used in clinical settings, traditional systems have suffered from issues such as low tumor targeting efficiency and limited therapeutic outcomes. Dedicating themselves to overcoming these obstacles for 15 years, their research culminated in the discovery of a novel mechanism: tumor cells can actively relay drugs. This concept has led to the creation of several polymer-based smart drug delivery systems.
Overcoming Major Challenges:
This innovative system has effectively tackled two significant hurdles in the field: tumor extravasation and penetration. The team's work has not only addressed these issues but has also significantly enhanced the efficacy of tumor-targeted therapies.
Significance of the Achievement:
The recognition of this research by the National Natural Science Awards underscores its importance and potential impact on the future of cancer treatment. The award is a testament to the dedication and innovation of Prof. SHEN and his team.
