Pallion, Australasia’s largest precious-metals group and parent company of ABC Bullion, is highlighting new research into rare forms of platinum and gold that may help shape the future of cancer therapy. Notably, the gold used in this research has been provided by ABC Bullion through an industry partnership, reflecting Pallion’s ongoing commitment to supporting scientific advancement and medical innovation.
A landmark scientific review led by researchers at RMIT University has examined unusual oxidation states of platinum and gold, including Pt(I), Pt(III) and Au(II), uncovering how these rare states display distinctive chemical and biological behaviours not seen in conventional metal-based therapies such as cisplatin. Their distinctive reactivity may lead to next-generation metallodrugs with improved selectivity, reduced toxicity and novel mechanisms of action.
Platinum remains one of the most important metals in cancer medicine, and the review highlights how platinum(III) species often arise naturally during the activation of platinum(IV) prodrugs within cancer cells. Several Pt(III) complexes have demonstrated promising anticancer activity in preclinical studies, including activity in drug-resistant cancers, and interact with DNA in ways that differ from widely used treatments. Mixed-valence “platinum blues” (Pt(II)/Pt(III) clusters) historically produced strong tumour responses in early studies, with some compounds advancing to clinical evaluation.
The research also explores the rare and under-studied gold(II) oxidation state. With gold long used in medicine, including the modern therapeutic auranofin Au(II) complexes may offer new pathways in cancer treatment and immune modulation. Their unusual redox behaviour and bonding patterns present an exciting frontier for therapeutic development.
“At Pallion, we are committed to supporting scientific advancement that has the potential to transform lives,” says Pallion CEO Andrew Cochineas. “To see ABC Bullion gold contributing directly to research that may shape the next generation of cancer therapeutics is both important and inspiring. Precious metals have long played a vital role in medicine, and this emerging field underscores just how significant our industry can be in advancing future healthcare innovations.”
As a global leader in precious-metal refining and fabrication, Pallion is proud to support research that demonstrates how responsibly sourced metals from ABC Bullion can contribute to meaningful scientific discovery. This emerging field highlights the importance of collaboration between advanced metallurgy and biomedical science.
“Our research, highlighted in the prestigious journal Chemical Reviews, explores how rare and unconventional oxidation states of platinum and gold exhibit unique chemical reactivity and biological behaviour that differ fundamentally from conventional metal-based cancer drugs,” explains Distinguished Professor Suresh K. Bhargava AM. “This collaborative work led by the RMIT team, including Dr Ruchika Ojha and Distinguished Professor Magdalena Plebanski, together with international co-authors opens new possibilities for more selective, less toxic and mechanistically distinct therapeutic strategies.
“RMIT is deeply grateful for ABC Bullion’s commitment, and for the willingness of industry to stand alongside researchers in confronting cancer: a disease that claims more than 50,000 Australian lives each year, or around 140 people every day. This shared commitment enables bold, transformative research and improved outcomes for patients and communities.”
“This review highlights how rare platinum and gold oxidation states, particularly Pt(III) and Au(II), display unique redox chemistry that can inform the design of next-generation metallodrugs,” furthers Dr Ruchika Ojha. “Support from ABC Bullion has helped advance our broader research into gold metallodrug chemistry.”
Pallion remains committed to championing research, education and philanthropic initiatives that harness the transformative potential of precious metals. This work reflects a bold new direction in cancer therapy—one where cutting-edge chemistry, world-class refining expertise and medical innovation come together to improve lives.
