London, February 23 2015: Imanova, centre for imaging sciences, London, today announced completion of the implementation of a novel imaging biomarker for use in clinical and preclinical PET imaging studies.
Originally developed by the Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging at the University of Copenhagen, Cimbi-36 is a highly selective agonist PET ligand for the serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor.
Head of Imanova’s i-Biomarker Division, Dr Passchier says: “As leaders in the field with an established track record of success, we are always on the lookout for new opportunities to delineate biological processes in vivo. The implementation of Cimbi-36 labelled with carbon-11 to GMP at Imanova is a result of a fruitful collaboration with the Cimbi foundation led by Professor Knudsen in Copenhagen. This presents a unique opportunity to explore the role of serotonin in CNS disorders and support drug development activities aimed at modifying endogenous levels of this key neurotransmitter. The first study to characterise the dynamic signal range in man of this tracer is currently underway at Imanova.”
Since the formation of Imanova in 2011, over 15 PET ligands have been implemented to support drug trials in a range of therapeutic areas including CNS, oncology, fibrosis and inflammation. Imanova has been actively driving the use of PET imaging studies to deliver critical information on the tissue exposure, target engagement and pharmacological activity of drugs as early as possible in clinical trials, helping drug developers to make important go/no go decisions and de-risk the drug development process.
Dr Kevin Cox, Imanova CEO sees the development of additional imaging biomarkers as a natural step forward for the company: “We are seeing increasing demand for our imaging studies with the proven value they offer. The main limiting factor in their wider adoption is the restricted number of imaging biomarkers, which we now, in conjunction with partners and collaborators, are rectifying, with implementation of Cimbi-36 being an example of our commitment.”
For more information about Imanova i-biomarkers, please visit www.imanova.co.uk.