First-in-Class PS-Targeting Monoclonal Antibody Fragment for Tumor Imaging

PS-Targeted Antibodies in Molecular Imaging

Our preclinical research has found that phosphatidylserine (PS) is both a specific marker of tumor blood vessels and becomes exposed on dying tumor cells themselves. We have also observed that chemotherapies and radiation therapy increase the amount of exposed PS on tumor blood vessels. These findings together have led us to investigate the ability of our PS-targeting antibodies attached to various imaging agents to generate clear images of tumors in animal models of cancer.

Clinical Trial Currently Enrolling Patients

Under an exploratory IND, we have initiated an open-label, single-center trial at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Up to 12 healthy subjects with various solid tumor types will be administered a single dose (4 mCI) of the clinical PET imaging agent 124I-PGN650. The primary goal of the trial is to examine radiation dosimetry in critical and non-critical organs. The secondary objectives are tumor imaging and safety. Download imaging trial fact sheet

About I-124 PGN650

I-124 PGN650 is a first-in-class phosphatidylserine (PS)-targeting F(ab’)2 fully human monoclonal antibody fragment (PGN650) joined to the PET imaging radio-isotope iodine-124 that represents a new approach to imaging cancer. PS is a molecule usually located inside the membrane of healthy cells, but "flips" and becomes exposed on the outside of cells that line tumor blood vessels, creating a specific target for the imaging of multiple solid tumor types. In preclinical studies, I-124 PGN650 accumulates in tumor vasculature and provides exceedingly clear in vivo tumor images. Read more..