The mission of Rice Synthesis X (SynthX) is to develop groundbreaking cancer drugs and technologies by leveraging innovations in the synthesis of molecules and materials from the fields of organic chemistry, chemical biology, and nanomaterial synthesis, in collaboration with cancer programs at the Texas Medical Center (TMC). During this funding cycle, we will collaborate with our strategic ally, the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center (DLDCCC) at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), to facilitate the synthesis of next-generation drugs with atomic precision at any scale, addressing the overarching cancer treatment challenges posed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), and the Department of Defense (DoD): 1) Foster the advancement of novel prevention strategies and early detection methods, by refining minimally invasive techniques to accurately identify the initiation, progression, and recurrence of cancer, thereby decrease the overall burden of cancer; 2) Elevate the effectiveness of immunotherapy and personalized medicine to enhance patient response and treatment outcomes; and 3) Revolutionize cancer treatment, particularly for advanced stages and metastatic cases, by developing comprehensive approaches that mitigate side effects as well as ensure long-lasting and sustainable treatment effects.
A principal obstacle in drug discovery is the disjunction between fundamental research and its subsequent conversion into clinical applications. Rice SynthX is dedicated to bridging this chasm by encouraging collaboration between primary researchers and clinicians. Since 2022, SynthX has engaged in a strategic partnership with the BCM DLDCCC Center, expediting the integration of advances in organic chemistry, chemical biology, and material chemistry into clinical practices, leading to the development of groundbreaking molecular therapies, such as the first bone-targeting antibody for the treatment of breast cancer metastasis, a new agent against acute myeloid leukemia, and carbon nanoparticles as new antioxidants. Another challenge in drug discovery is the need to delicately adjust the properties of drug molecules. However, recent innovations in chemical methods, synthetic engineering, and material synthesis are ushering in new avenues in drug discovery. By acquiring atomic-level control of structures, we can foster an in-depth comprehension of structure-function relationships, propelling the design, discovery, and optimization of next-gen therapeutic strategies.