Probes Image Molecular Processes in Vivo

Three new optical imaging probes uses super-bright, targetable, biocompatible nanoparticles for imaging of biological and molecular processes in vivo.

These NanoSpark probes are manufactured by VisEn Medical (Woburn, MA, USA), a developer of optical imaging technologies for biomedical research. When used together with VisEn's fluorescence molecular fomography (FMT) system and a broad range of optical imaging agents, the probes further expand current applications of molecular imaging in basic research and drug development. VisEn presented its first three NanoSpark probes at the annual conference of the Academy of Molecular Imaging, held in March in Orlando (FL, USA).

The AminoSpark680 is a very bright and robust platform label that can be readily conjugated to a range of targeting molecules, including peptides, antibodies, and small molecules of choice, thereby enabling customized molecular imaging in multiple disease areas.

The CellSpark680 is a nanoparticle label used to track the location and movement of cells (including immune cells and stem cells) in vivo, a major tool for current research in cell trafficking in vivo with subsequent FACs analysis (fluorescence activated cell sorting).

AngioSpark680 is a nanoparticle probe that enables ultra-long and ultra-bright fluorescent imaging of vascularity and angiogenesis, specially customized for applications in intravital microscopy.

"We are thrilled with the prospects for the NanoSpark product line, which significantly extends the flexibility and range of applications offered by our optical molecular imaging technology platforms,” said Kirtland G. Poss, president and CEO of VisEn. "Combined with our novel activatible optical probe platform, our FMT system, and our other in vivo optimized imaging probes, this introduction truly underscores our leadership in the development of today's molecular imaging products.

The "680” designation in each of these products refers to their approximate excitation wavelength. VisEn expects to make these NanoSpark products available for sale in the second quarter of 2006 and plans to launch more NanoSpark products later in the year, including other near-infrared wavelength probes, which can enable in vivo imaging of multiple targets simultaneously.

"The NanoSpark technology platform is based on a series of breakthrough nanomaterials and chemistries, specifically designed to deliver unprecedented brightness, targeting, and biocompatibility for in vivo imaging,” commented Ralph Weissleder, M.D., Ph.D., a VisEn founder and director of the Center for Molecular Imaging Research at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH, Boston MA, USA). "These and VisEn's future NanoSpark products will serve as important platforms from which to apply new imaging approaches in multiple models of disease, including in oncology, inflammation, cell tracking, and cardiovascular disease. This should truly have a significant impact on today's research and drug development, and tomorrow's personalized medicine,” added Dr. Weissleder.

Based on imaging technologies developed at MGH, VisEn Medical's line of products enable applied imaging of biologic and molecular processes in vivo, and are targeted to the imaging of central disease states including oncology, bone growth, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation.


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