DELHI: The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), in collaboration with IDRS Labs Pvt. Ltd. Bengaluru, has introduced a tablet aimed at safeguarding cancer patients from the side effects of radiotherapy. The nutraceutical, named AKTOCYTE, has been developed as a food supplement designed to enhance the quality of life for those undergoing cancer treatment.
According to details provided in the Rajya Sabha, the tablet has been created through a joint effort involving scientists from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), the Advanced Centre for Training Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) in Navi Mumbai, and Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai. The development marks a significant step towards making cancer care more affordable and accessible in India.
The AKTOCYTE tablets have shown promising results in phase II clinical trials, particularly in pelvic cancer patients suffering from radiotherapy-induced side effects. Patients treated with the supplement demonstrated significant recovery from radiotherapy-mediated toxicity. The formulation is designed to act as an adjuvant to radiotherapy, serving as a regenerative nutraceutical, immunomodulator, and antioxidant. While the initial trials have been encouraging, further confirmatory clinical trials are underway to conclusively establish its benefits.
The government also confirmed that AKTOCYTE has received approval from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) as a nutraceutical health supplement. This approval enables its use as a supportive treatment for cancer patients, potentially improving outcomes for those undergoing radiotherapy.
The launch of AKTOCYTE aligns with India’s broader efforts to develop indigenous solutions for cancer care, reducing dependence on expensive treatments and improving patient well-being.
