A genius? I just love studying.

Chapter 315 A Series of Bad News
"In the end, one molecular design stood out, and I named it Locksmith No. 1."

Chen Hui manipulated the mouse, eventually stopping at a molecular structure.

"..."

A moment of silence fell over the room; everyone was speechless at Chen Hui's choice of name.

Chen Hui was completely unaware of this; the name was just a code, the important thing was its function.

If this molecular structure could truly end cancer, even if it were called a cancer killer, it would be highly sought after.

"Computer simulations show that it can bind with 94% of known mutants with extremely high affinity, and even shows binding potential for some future mutations predicted by the algorithm that have not yet been clinically discovered."

Chen Hui continued his introduction while playing a simulation animation.

In the simulation animation, Locksmith No. 1 is like an elegant Transformer. When its binding domain at the end approaches different mutants, it undergoes subtle and precise deformation, eventually fitting perfectly into the active site of the target and sealing it.

Each successful docking in the simulation animation left everyone in the conference room in a daze.

They felt they might have seen a glimmer of hope for a complete cure for cancer.

"This……"

Tang Jian stared in disbelief at the result, suddenly feeling that the team's previous achievements were like children's toys. In the model constructed by Chen Hui, no matter what typical or atypical pathway it was, it would all be killed.

Not to mention Tang Jian, even Song Chaoming himself was somewhat lost in thought.

He suddenly thought of Chen Hui's legend in academic circles. Everyone said that once Chen Hui decided to research a certain topic, everyone should switch careers as soon as possible, because the topic would definitely be solved within six months.

Now that Chen Hui has decided to study cancer, won't he lose his job?

Song Chaoming's mind raced with thoughts, and he suddenly felt a sense of relief. Fortunately, he had completed a world-class achievement before Chen Hui made his breakthrough. If Chen Hui had really solved cancer, he could simply retire and enjoy his retirement.

"What we need to do is very simple. First, we need to synthesize the Locksmith No. 1 molecule, then conduct in vitro cell experiments and in vivo animal experiments, and finally conduct clinical trials."

Chen Hui gave his final concluding remarks, looking at the others in the meeting room, "Does anyone have any suggestions?"

A quick glance around the conference room revealed that no one spoke; everyone wore an excited, eager expression.

If they had known earlier that Chen Hui was researching this topic, they would have been willing to work hard for another three years, even without the prize money.

This is a complete cure for cancer. No one can refuse to join such a project. It's an achievement they can brag about for a lifetime. When they get old, they can tell their grandchildren, "Your grandpa completely cured cancer back then!"
"Since everyone agrees, let's begin!"

After Chen Hui finished speaking, everyone sprang into action, starting to develop experimental plans and procure the necessary materials.

Of course, there wasn't much to purchase. Since they were conducting tumor research, the materials needed for Chen Hui's verification experiment were readily available in the laboratory.

Soon, led by Tang Jian, a group of researchers went to the adjacent laboratory to begin their experiments.

In culture dishes, they added the synthesized Locksmith No. 1 to lung cancer cell lines with various known drug resistance mutations, including T790M, C797S, and L858R.

72小时后，他们再使用MTT法/CCK-8法检测，锁匠一号对敏感细胞系的IC50低至约1nM，对耐药细胞系的IC50也仅为约15nM。

In pharmacology, the lower the IC50 value, the stronger the drug efficacy. This value far exceeds that of existing drugs, whose IC50 values ​​are usually in the nM to μM range, which is sufficient to prove the powerful efficacy of Locksmith No. 1.

Experimental data clearly show that as the concentration of Locksmith No. 1 increases, cell survival rate decreases significantly, exhibiting a perfect dose-response relationship. This indicates that its mechanism of action is specific, rather than random toxicity.

For the drug-resistant strain H1975, the standard clinical dose of gefitinib was almost ineffective, with a survival rate as high as 95.8%, compared to 100% in the blank control group, which is consistent with the actual clinical situation.

The third-generation drug osimertinib was effective, with a survival rate of 20.5%, which proves its original design intent of targeting the T790M mutation.

However, Locksmith No. 1 suppressed the survival rate of drug-resistant cells to 8.9% at a concentration of only 100 nM, and even reached 4.5% at 1 μM, which is significantly better than osimertinib. This proves that its adaptive design has successfully overcome drug resistance mutations such as T790M.

Compared with first-generation and third-generation targeted drugs, Locksmith No. 1 achieves a more potent and broader-spectrum inhibitory effect at lower concentrations. It is effective not only for sensitive cells but also for drug-resistant cells that are ineffective against existing drugs.

This set of irrefutable and extremely impressive data caused an uproar throughout the entire laboratory.

Locksmith No. 1 is the master key I've been dreaming of!

The complete eradication of cancer drug resistance is within reach!

Three days later, the results of the in vivo animal experiments also came out. They established a mouse model carrying a drug-resistant lung cancer cell line. When the mouse tumors grew to a certain size, they began to inject Locksmith No. 1.

The tumor signals in the treated mice decreased and shrank rapidly at a rate visible to the naked eye.

The caliper measurements taken every few days also clearly plotted a curve showing a sharp decrease in tumor volume, which, compared to the continuously growing tumors in the control group mice, was nothing short of miraculous.

An incredible excitement filled the laboratory. The younger students looked at the taciturn young man with awe in their eyes, having witnessed the birth of a miracle.

"Incredible! Chen Hui! This is a groundbreaking research achievement!"

"Adaptive medicine! This concept is revolutionary!"

Song Chaoming excitedly patted Chen Hui on the shoulder, "We did it! We might really be about to change history!"

Chen Hui remained calm, but his clenched fists and the fleeting glint in his eyes betrayed the turmoil within him. Had he finally conquered this forbidden zone for humanity after spending more than half a year?

Uncle will no longer be troubled by illness.

"Get ready to write your thesis!"

Song Chaoming, beaming, said, "Tang Jian, go and apply to be a volunteer for clinical trials."

"Not urgent."

"We'll conduct animal testing first, so please wait a while."

Chen Hui stopped Song Chaoming from making rash moves.

Generally speaking, any drug needs to undergo at least 2-3 years of animal testing before it can enter clinical trials. They have only been doing this for less than half a month. To conduct clinical trials now is not only non-compliant but also irresponsible to the volunteers.

Song Chaoming opened his mouth, but didn't say anything more.

For many cancer patients, they may be dying in a few days, or they may not have the money for treatment and can only endure the pain and wait to die. In this case, if they can apply for a new drug as volunteers, it may be a hope for them to continue living.

As for side effects, they were not even considered, because there couldn't be any worse outcome.

However, he still respected Chen Hui's insistence.

Tang Jian and his team continued their animal experiments and long-term verification, while also beginning to write their papers. They were eager to enjoy the fruits of their victory.

……

On his way back to his single dormitory from the lab, Chen Hui's steps were light and airy.

Although he was there to audit classes, the school still arranged accommodation for him, which Chen Hui gladly accepted, as living on campus was much more convenient.

Back in the dormitory,

Chen Hui dialed his uncle's number. "Xiao Hui."

Li Tianhua's weak voice came from the other side.

All of Chen Hui's previous joy vanished, replaced by a chill in his heart. "What's wrong with Uncle? Is his condition serious?"

"No no."

Li Tianhua quickly denied it. He had tried his best to cheer himself up, but he really couldn't get into the mood. "Do you remember the girl you met when you accompanied me to West China Hospital for treatment last time?"

"She didn't make it through the last two days."

Chen Hui felt a sense of relief, but he couldn't be happy either. He still remembered the sunny girl who had come up to them and greeted them. She didn't look sick at all back then, and now, only half a year later...

"After that day, she added me as a friend and pulled me into a patient support group. There were quite a few people in the group, including those with stomach cancer, rectal cancer, and lung cancer. We would exchange information about our conditions there."

Li Tianhua recounted his story in detail. He was feeling depressed and really wanted to have a good talk with someone. Chen Hui's call at this time was just right. "Over time, we became friends despite our age difference."

"What a wonderful girl!"

"After undergoing ten rounds of chemotherapy, she stopped treatment because she ran out of money. A few days ago, she vomited blood and came to the hospital for a checkup, but it was too late. She passed away a few days later."

There was a long silence on the phone.

Li Tianhua spoke again, letting out a long sigh, "What a good child..."

It evokes a sense of shared sorrow, like the death of a rabbit or the mourning of a fox, or the pain of losing one

Chen Hui also sighed softly. At this moment, he suddenly wanted to agree to Song Chaoming's plan to recruit volunteers, which might save many patients who had given up treatment because they had no money.

However, he restrained himself from this impulse. It would be irresponsible to rush into clinical trials. Even though Chen Hui was full of confidence, he decided to wait and see.

"Don't worry, Uncle, cancer will be completely cured soon. Our research team has already made new progress."

Chen Hui spoke last, wanting to give his uncle some confidence, as mindset is a crucial part of fighting illness; without hope, a person will age rapidly.

"Don't worry, I'm in great shape right now, and I can easily last another three to five years."

Li Tianhua said with a smile, "But you, you're reckless when it comes to research. You're young and can handle it now, but you'll be riddled with health problems when you get older."

"Don't rush, take it slow, and be sure to take care of your health."

"I know, I know what I'm doing."

Chen Hui nodded.

He started sleeping only three hours a day in junior high school. At first, he thought it was normal, but after learning about other people's schedules, he felt like he was flirting with death.

But over the years, he has not felt any discomfort, and he is full of energy every day, without any of the lethargy that comes with staying up late.

Perhaps, this is also a kind of talent.

After hanging up the phone, Chen Hui went to his desk, turned on his computer, and began to re-examine his research ideas from beginning to end, trying to find areas for improvement or oversights.

What follows is a long wait.

Normally, a new drug needs at least 2-3 years of animal testing before it can enter clinical trials, but Chen Hui decided to observe it for six months first.

Uncle's health seems to be good, but he doesn't dare to gamble. No one can say for sure when the tumor will worsen, and then it will be too late.

Of course, even when conducting clinical trials, he would explain the situation when recruiting volunteers and try to select those whose condition had deteriorated rapidly and who might die at any time if there were no changes.

While waiting, Chen Hui didn't idle around. He continued to study cutting-edge cancer research papers and practice his biology skills.

Three months have passed in the blink of an eye.
Your creature proficiency has increased from level 5 (1%) to 2%.

Your math proficiency has increased from level 6 (98%) to 99%.

Rubbing his slightly throbbing forehead, Chen Hui temporarily looked away and gazed out the window.

It was already pitch black outside the window. Looking at the time, it was past 11 p.m. He had spent the whole afternoon and evening studying.

With his stomach rumbling, Chen Hui got up and headed to the cafeteria. Perhaps because of the school's special circumstances, students often had to stay up late to do experiments. The Huaxia Academy of Medical Sciences provided late-night snacks, which Chen Hui appreciated.

Walking down the street, Chen Hui had a sudden thought and summoned the data panel.

[Host: Chen Hui
Chinese Level 5 (21%)

Mathematics Level 6 (99%)

English Level 5 (19%)

Physics Level 5 (53%)

Chemistry Level 4 (89%)

Biology Level 5 (2%)

Physical Education Level 5 (0%)

Geography Level 2 (0%)

History Level 2 (0%)

Politics Level 6 (99%)

Chen Hui never expected that studying biomedicine could improve his mathematical proficiency; of course, he did use a lot of mathematical knowledge in his research.

What made him even more amused and exasperated was that his proficiency in both mathematics and politics had reached 99% at the same time. Now it was just a matter of who could break through level 7 first and get a free attribute point.

He had originally been ahead of his math skills in politics, but he had spent the last six months researching cancer and hadn't paid attention to other projects, which caused his political proficiency to fall behind.

When he arrived at the cafeteria, there were still more than a dozen students eating at this time. Chen Hui ordered a large portion of cabbage and pork dumplings, found a seat, and began to enjoy his meal.

Although it was late, Chen Hui wasn't worried about indigestion, since he only went to bed at three in the morning, and eating at this time wasn't too late.

After finishing his meal, Chen Hui walked towards the laboratory. He had been keeping an eye on the laboratory every day, and there were people on night shift every day to keep an eye on the experiments. He thought it would be a good time to go there and digest his food.

Woohoo...

Before he even reached the lab, Chen Hui received a call from Tang Jian: "Chen Shen, come to the lab right away, something's up."

"I am coming over now."

Chen Hui frowned slightly; judging from Tang Jian's tone, it was probably not good news.

(End of this chapter)