SCIENTISTS have been given money to help develop a cancer-fighting light beam.

Biotransformations Limited, based at the Centre for Life, Newcastle, has developed what it says is the first medical therapy that uses light to fight disease, including cancer.

It involves taking human antibodies that are known to attack cancerous cells and covering them in a light sensitive compound.

The scientists found this allowed the antibodies to enter the body without harming healthy cells.

They then use light to trigger the antibodies to kill harmful cells when they reach a certain site, such as a tumour.

Scientists believe they will be able to adapt existing clinical light sources, such as dental probes currently used for curing adhesives in the mouths of patients, to deliver light therapy.

In March, Biotransformations was given £500,000 by the Centre for Excellence in Life Sciences to develop the technology.

The company has now been given £90,000 by the Proof of Concept fund, managed by North Star Equity Investors.

The money will help strengthen the management, take the system into clinical trials and develop a commercial basis for future development.

Professor Colin Self, of Biotransformations, said: "We are delighted to have gained further investment as it enables us to develop the technology further."