Breakthrough as 40-year-old drug is revamped to destroy cancer cells

"Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have patented a new form of mebendazole, called polymorph C, which may work much better against cancer than the versions currently available. Mebendazole is already a well-known drug that safely treats parasitic worm infections in humans and animals. The new crystal form, polymorph C, seems to get into tumors more effectively, including brain tumors, which are usually very hard to treat because most drugs cannot pass through the protective blood-brain barrier. According to the patent, an oral formulation with at least 90 percent polymorph C can reach cancer cells at higher concentrations than standard mebendazole, potentially making it more powerful. In experiments with mice, polymorph C reached effective levels inside tumors and showed stronger tumor-suppressing effects than other forms of mebendazole. The researchers also suggested combining it with another drug, elacridar, which can block cancer cells from pumping out the drug, making it work even better."

"'As an oral drug, mebendazole polymorph C is a superior form, and it reaches the brain and brain tumors in effective concentrations. Efficacy is further improved by combining mebendazole with a P-glycoprotein inhibitor. Mebendazole may also be used for therapy of other cancers, as well as a chemopreventative agent.'"

A patented crystal form of mebendazole, polymorph C, increases oral delivery of the drug to tumors and penetrates the blood-brain barrier more effectively than standard forms. Oral formulations with at least 90% polymorph C achieve higher tumor concentrations, potentially increasing anticancer potency. Polymorph C produced stronger tumor suppression than other mebendazole forms in mouse experiments. Combining polymorph C with a P-glycoprotein inhibitor such as elacridar can reduce cellular drug efflux and improve efficacy. Pairing polymorph C with anti-inflammatory agents like celecoxib or sulindac is proposed to address inflammation-linked cancer and for possible chemoprevention in high-risk individuals.

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