Mozahidur Rahaman, Khulna Bureau
Bangladeshi bioengineer Dr Mofizur Rahman is advancing nanotechnology-based cancer treatments designed to target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue, potentially reducing chemotherapy side effects.
Dr Rahman completed his higher education in Pharmacy at Khulna University. He is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in the United States.
In one study, Dr Rahman and his colleagues explored cancer immunotherapy using SARS-CoV-2 mRNA. Specially engineered nanomedicine instructs cancer cells to produce the coronavirus spike protein, enabling the immune system to recognise and attack them using existing immune memory.
Pre-clinical trials in mice with breast cancer triggered a strong anti-tumour immune response and significantly inhibited tumour growth. The nanomedicine also accumulated in tumour tissue, potentially limiting exposure to healthy cells.
Another development involves nanobody-functionalised liposomes for breast cancer treatment. Nanobodies are tiny antibody fragments that recognise specific proteins on cancer cells. Dr Rahman's team developed a simplified, single-step manufacturing method to target tumours while minimising exposure to healthy tissue. The innovation is undergoing the US patent application process and could facilitate large-scale production.
His team has also genetically engineered extracellular vesicles, including exosomes, to recognise liver cancer cells. Pre-clinical studies in mice showed that these nanomedicines suppressed liver cancer.
Dr Rahman also developed a rapid diagnostic method using CRISPR-Cas12a technology to detect genetic mutations associated with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patient samples within 30 minutes. The platform could help oncologists make timely decisions on personalised treatment.
His current research focuses on acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), treatment-resistant cancers and preventing recurrence.
“Our goal is to trigger the immune system in a controlled, precise and timely manner tailored to the patient's cancer,” he said, noting that uncontrolled immune activation can cause severe side effects.
Dr Rahman aims to establish an independent research laboratory to develop nanotechnology-based treatments for leukaemia and solid tumours. Drawing on research experience in Bangladesh, Japan and the United States, he also hopes to inspire young Bangladeshi researchers to excel globally. #EK