C12400: Salicylic Acid and its Analogs as MRI Contrast Agents
Novelty:
New use of salicylic acid and its analogues as improved contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Value Proposition:
Currently used MRI contrast agents either have toxic effects or have certain sensitivity drawbacks, especially due to a small chemical shift difference between exchangeable proton and water. This invention describes the application of salicylic acid, its analogs and prodrugs to improve Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) contrast properties for MRI. Additional advantages include:
• Lower toxicity due to the absence of lanthanide metals
• High spatial/temporal resolution and contrast-to-noise ratio
• CEST contrast easily separable from other sources of water signal loss
• Ease of modification and clearance through breakdown during natural biochemical processes
Technical Details:
Johns Hopkins researchers have identified a class of organic compounds, beta-hydroxycarboxylates, which can display improved MRI contrast properties. These organic contrast agents produce significantly improved contrast in MRI images in a pH dependant manner detectable through CEST or Frequency Labeled Exchange (FLEX) imaging. A number of beta-hydroxycarboxylates were screened for CEST contrast, of which salicylic acid analogs produced excellent CEST contrast with 50% or higher resolution. The contrast of salicylic acid was further confirmed in vivo by imaging the kidney of experimental mice.
Looking for Partners:
To develop & commercialize the technology as non-metallic MRI contrast agents.
Stage of Development:
Discovery
Data Availability:
Under CDA / NDA
Patent Status: Pending US Application US-2016-0082132
Publications/Associated Cases:
Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2013 Jul 29;52(31):8116-9
