Molecular imaging (also known as functional imaging) is an emerging field, in which physicians can watch biological and cellular processes as they occur in vivo. Its value is tremendous, because every disease starts, changes course or responds to treatment first at the cellular level.
[18F]-ML-10 is the Aposense lead compound for the molecular imaging of apoptosis with PET (Positron Emission Tomography). It is labeled with the radio-isotope 18F, the most commonly used isotope in PET imaging, which enables tracing of the ML-10 molecules in vivo as they localize in the target lesion or tissue. [18F]-ML-10 is an investigational agent, not yet approved by the FDA, and is now in phase II clinical trials.
What is Molecular Imaging?
Molecular imaging aims to make biological processes and pathways visible in vivo. Molecular Imaging is different from conventional imaging technologies (such as X-ray, CT, ultrasound or MRI), which image anatomical structures and abnormalities based essentially on differences in tissue density or other physical property.
The value of molecular imaging stems from the fact that the onset of disease, any change in its course, and/or response to treatment, all occur first at the cellular level, long before they manifest in symptoms or anatomical changes that can be detected with standard imaging.
Molecular Imaging technology depends on special molecules (probes) that can selectively target these biological processes, while carrying an imaging marker for visualization. ML-10 is such a probe, and it carries (or is labeled with) the positron-emitting radio-isotope 18-fluorine (18F), which is the most widely-used isotope for imaging with PET (positron emission tomography). The PET camera generates the image based on the uptake of the probe by the target cells.
Molecular Imaging Enhanced with Aposense
With Aposense [18F]-ML-10, the arsenal of medical imaging can grow to include the molecular tracking of apoptotic cells for:
- Early diagnosis of diseases
- Characterization of diseases at different stages
- Real-time monitoring of treatment
[18F]-ML-10 is an investigational agent, not yet approved for use outside clinical trials