05.04.2026 14:02
Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu announced that the first locally developed cancer drug candidate in Turkey has shown successful results in phase 1 trials. In the past year, free screenings were conducted for 7.7 million people, and early signs of cancer were detected in 28,000 individuals. If the advanced stages of the new molecule are completed, it is aimed for Turkey to introduce its own drug to the global health system.
Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu announced that Turkey has reached a scientifically critical threshold in the studies conducted for cancer treatment. Memişoğlu stated that the first original drug candidate developed in Turkey has yielded successful results in phase 1 clinical trials, saying, “Turkey is at the stage of discovering a molecule for the first time in its own laboratories, hospitals, and with its scientists. The phase 1 studies have been very successful.”
7.7 MILLION PEOPLE SCREENED FOR FREE
Minister Memişoğlu noted that free screening programs for breast, cervical, and bowel cancers are ongoing in Turkey. He announced that 7 million 700 thousand people have been screened in the last year, stating that these efforts are coordinated through family health centers and healthy living centers.
In the screenings conducted, 276 thousand people were evaluated as suspicious, while early cancer signs were found in 28 thousand individuals. It was emphasized that thousands of citizens have gained access to treatment through early diagnosis.
EARLY DIAGNOSIS SAVES LIVES
Highlighting the importance of early diagnosis in cancer, Memişoğlu said, “Do not be afraid of cancer, be afraid of being late. Our citizens over 40 years old can benefit from free screening services.” Memişoğlu also stated that artificial intelligence-supported diagnostic systems are actively used in Turkey, mentioning that the health infrastructure is above world standards.
GOAL: DOMESTIC DRUG FOR THE WORLD
Memişoğlu expressed that if the phase 2 and phase 3 studies of the molecule developed under the leadership of Boğaziçi University are successfully completed, Turkey will introduce its first cancer drug developed domestically to the global health system.
Among the institutions involved in the study are Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Oncology Hospital, Koç University, and Boğaziçi University, with Prof. Dr. Rana Sanyal playing a significant role in the project.
NEW TECHNOLOGY THAT REDUCES SIDE EFFECTS
Prof. Dr. Rana Sanyal, a faculty member at Boğaziçi University, stated that the developed technology directs the drug directly to the tumor cell, thereby reducing side effects and increasing treatment efficacy. It was noted that the study is conducted with the support of TÜBİTAK and the Ministry of Industry and Technology.