Technology

Targeted Molecular Imaging

IVMT is developing targeted molecular imaging technologies designed to provide molecular information during image-guided procedures.

Our platform utilizes peptide ligands, including novel heterodimer structures, engineered to recognize multiple molecular targets simultaneously. By targeting disease-associated molecular markers, IVMT aims to complement conventional anatomical imaging with information about the molecular characteristics of tissue.

A Dual-Targeting Approach

IVMT's lead imaging agent incorporates two peptide ligands targeting:

EGFR
Epidermal growth factor receptor

ErbB2 (HER2)
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2

The two ligands are combined into a peptide heterodimer and labeled with a near-infrared fluorescent dye.

This dual-targeting strategy is designed to recognize multiple molecular features associated with disease and may provide advantages over single-target imaging approaches.

Near-Infrared Fluorescence

The lead imaging agent uses near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence to enable visualization during endoscopic procedures.

For IVMT's lead clinical program, the agent is designed for topical administration within the bile duct and visualization using cholangioscopy.

This approach is intended to provide real-time molecular information alongside conventional endoscopic visualization.

From Anatomy to Molecular Information

Conventional endoscopic imaging primarily shows what tissue looks like.

Molecular imaging can provide information about what molecular targets are present within that tissue.

Conventional imaging
Visual appearance → tissue morphology → biopsy

IVMT molecular imaging
Targeted molecular recognition → fluorescence visualization → image-guided assessment

The goal is not to replace conventional biopsy or pathology, but to complement existing diagnostic approaches with molecular information at the time of the procedure.

Lead Clinical Application

IVMT's lead program focuses on indeterminate biliary strictures, where distinguishing benign from malignant disease can be challenging.

The technology is being evaluated for its ability to identify molecular features associated with malignancy and help differentiate benign versus malignant strictures during cholangioscopy.

Scientific Foundation

IVMT's technology builds on foundational research conducted at the University of Michigan in targeted molecular imaging and fluorescence-guided endoscopy.

In a clinical proof-of-concept study, University of Michigan investigators demonstrated the use of a flexible fiber cholangioscope to detect near-infrared fluorescence in human bile ducts. The study paired the imaging system with a targeted peptide heterodimer designed to recognize two molecular targets, EGFR and ErbB2 (HER2), and labeled with the near-infrared fluorophore IRDye800.

The technology was evaluated in patients with indeterminate biliary strictures and demonstrated the feasibility of detecting targeted fluorescence during cholangioscopy. The investigators concluded that the approach warranted larger clinical studies to further evaluate its performance.

This foundational research provided a basis for subsequent development and clinical translation of IVMT's molecular imaging technology.

Selected Publication

Detection of Barrett's neoplasia with a near-infrared fluorescent heterodimeric peptide

Chang TS, Zhou Y, Zhang R, et al. Flexible fiber cholangioscope for detection of near-infrared fluorescence. VideoGIE. 2023;8(3):110–112. 

Read the publication: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468448122001953