C11306: Use of Non-labeled Sugars in MRI
Value Proposition:
ADVANTAGES:
• Provides an alternative approach to measure MR contrast sensitive to both metabolic and vascular properties (perfusion and permeability) of tissue.
• Uses a natural biodegradable compound that is already available in the clinic, without the need for paramagnetic, magnetic, or radioactive isotope labeling.
• Technique is directly compatible with currently used clinical scanners.
Technical Details:
The emerging field of molecular and cellular imaging exploits radioactive (PET, SPECT), optical, and magnetic (MRI) labels that can be used to verify drug delivery to targeted regions or are sensitive to the effects of treatment on cellular and molecular processes and local tissue physiology. Traditionally, most molecular imaging efforts in MRI have focused on the use of paramagnetic or superparamagnetic agents that affect the local magnetic environment of molecules.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins have developed MRI technology that uses non-labeled naturally occurring biodegradable agents.
Looking for Partners:
There are multiple clinical applications to this technology. The technology will allow for the use of non-labeled sugars as a:
• Non-toxic substitute for paramagnetic contrast agents (dynamic or static contrast-enhance MRI), which are the current choice for clinical perfusion imaging with MRI.
• Non-radioactive, non-toxic substitute for 18-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18FDG-PET), which has become the radiological modality of choice for detecting malignancy based on glucose metabolism.
Patent Status: Granted US Patent 9,180,211 and Pending DIV US-2016-0095945
