A scientist who helped develop platinum-based cancer chemotherapeutic drugs has been awarded for his work.

Michael Abrams, president of biopharmaceutical firm AnorMED, was given the Julia Levy award yesterday by the Society of Chemical Industry Canada.

Dr Abrams said that he was "honoured" at receiving the award which is given annually in recognition of successful commercialisation in the field of bio-medical science.

Development led by Dr Abrams on drugs based on platinum gave rise to NX473 and Fosrenol, as well as promising future stem cell products and HIV inhibitors.

The use of platinum in drugs is developing since the invention of cisplatin in the 1960s and several are in use today.

Yesterday's award marked not only the successful research in platinum-based drugs but also its commercial development that has led to the availability of the drugs to patients.


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