Sidney Hecht, director of the Biodesign Center for Bioenergetics at Arizona State University (ASU), has been honored with the Arizona Bioscience Pioneer Award for Lifetime Achievement. The award recognizes Hecht's career dedicated to integrating biology and chemistry to advance human health and treat diseases.
Focus on Mitochondrial Disorders
At the Biodesign Center, researchers concentrate on improving the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, especially those stemming from mitochondrial defects. Mitochondria are essential cellular components responsible for energy production. Hecht's work is particularly relevant during World Mitochondria Awareness Week, highlighting the importance of mitochondrial health.
Hecht's research extends to understanding the molecular mechanisms of diseases and developing therapeutic strategies. A significant focus is on Friedreich’s ataxia, a genetic, progressive neuromuscular disease affecting balance, coordination, and mobility, primarily in children. According to the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance, this condition can also lead to fatigue, heart conditions, scoliosis, and diabetes.
Contributions to Cancer Treatment
Hecht's contributions include a pivotal role in the development of Hycamtin, a chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of ovarian and lung cancer. Additionally, he contributed to the study of Bleomycin's mechanism as an anti-tumor agent. Hecht is also the co-founder of Edison Pharmaceuticals, a company focused on developing treatments for inherited mitochondrial disorders.
Innovative Therapeutic Approaches
The Biodesign Center has achieved success in creating compounds that can capture leaked electrons from dysfunctional mitochondrial respiratory chains and redirect them back into the chain, thereby augmenting ATP production. One of these compounds is currently undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of Friedreich’s ataxia, while others are being investigated for related diseases.
Overcoming Challenges in Drug Discovery
Hecht emphasizes the complexities of drug discovery and development, noting the necessity of diverse expertise from scientists and medical personnel. He highlights the challenges in prioritizing efforts and expenditures in drug discovery, given the time-consuming and expensive nature of testing new compounds in biological model systems and clinical trials.
Nature-Inspired Research
Hecht's research aligns with Biodesign’s mission of nature-inspired research by leveraging biochemical pathways. His team has focused on functional analogues of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) to protect cells and mitochondria from oxidative damage. By modifying the structure of alpha-tocopherol, they aim to create catalytic antioxidants with enhanced potency.
