A team of researchers from Near East University and University of Kyrenia will be examining the tetrodotoxin found in the skin of pufferfish located in Northern Cyprus coasts in order to utilize tetrodotoxin as pharmaceutical raw material for the treatment of cancer.

According to the press release issued by the Directorate of Press and Public Relations of Near East University, the established research team will first determine the presence of tetrodotoxin in pufferfish collected from the coast of Northern Cyprus. They, the team will conduct toxin isolation, purification and activity studies from the species of fish contain the toxin.

The research team plan to conduct studies on tetrodotoxin found in the skin of pufferfish, which is thought to prevent metastasis in cancer cells. Furthermore, the team drew attention to the fact that if the active substances are obtained from pufferfish that damage the ecosystem and be exported as pharmaceutical raw materials this would make a contribution to our country's economy.

The research studies are to initiate in 2020
It was pointed out that the study is to be funded by the Near East University and is to commence in 2020. The research team which was established under the body of Near East University also includes members such as Prof. Dr. İlkay Salihoğlu from University of Kyrenia, Prof. Dr. Bilal Cem Liman from Faculty of Veterinary of Near East University Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and Dr. Buket Baddal from Faculty of Medicine and Centre of Experimental Health Sciences (DESAM), and Assist Prof Dr. Usama Alshana and Assist Prof Dr Güner Ekiz from Faculty of Pharmacy.

The studies will focus on Cancer Drug Production and Pain Relief
The researchers pointed out that the balloon fish that crossed the Mediterranean ecosystem through the Red Sea increased. Additionally, the researchers stated that drug active substance which can be used in cancer treatment and has high value in the pharmaceutical industry can be isolated can be obtained from pufferfish; a fish type which threatens the extinction of native fish and is not edible due to its toxin.

In addition to the above, it was stated that due to its neurotoxin properties, tetrodotoxin (a substance found intensively in internal organs, reproductive organs, subcutaneous and muscle structures of pufferfish) can damage the nervous system in the human body when exposed to high doses. However, it is stated that it can be used in the medical field as an analgesic in the production of cancer medicines and in the treatment of cancer pains in very small amounts and in a controlled manner.