UNF researchers get patent for cancer-slowing compound [Video]

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A group of researchers at the University of North Florida have been awarded a United States patent for a compound, also called a peptoid, that could lead to “significantly better patient outcomes for difficult to treat cancers,” according to a press release from the university.

The team has discovered the compound targets some breast, colon and lung cancers and can stop them from progressing.

UNF is the first university to explore this method.

The UNF faculty on the research team are lead researcher Dr. Bryan Knuckley, Dr. Corey Causey and Dr. Fatima Rehman.

“We’re still early on in the process, but this is an exciting development, and the research shows promising intervention for the treatment of some aggressive cancers,” Knuckley said. “This is a lifetime project to contribute to ending cancer. We want to continue our research and testing to better …