S Pharma

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania discovered that hydralazine, one of the oldest blood pressure medications, can halt the growth of aggressive brain tumors.

Treated glioblastoma cells entered senescence within three days, stopping division without killing the cells.

Using X-ray crystallography, researchers showed that hydralazine binds to the oxygen-sensing enzyme ADO, inhibiting its activity. This prevents tumor cells from surviving in low-oxygen environments, a key feature of glioblastoma progression.

Further studies revealed that this pathway links brain cancer and preeclampsia, highlighting hydralazine’s potential as a repurposed drug for targeting aggressive tumors.

Bottom Fact: Hydralazine stops glioblastoma growth by inducing cellular senescence through ADO inhibition, showing a link between preeclampsia and brain cancer.

Source: University of Pennsylvania & University of Texas, Science Advances, 2025

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or treatment guidance.