Macrophages are key inflammatory cells.
Macrophage imaging enables detection of active inflammation which often correlates with poor clinical outcomes in a variety of diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and others.
SignaBlok’s integrated nanosystems can deliver imaging agents directly to macrophage-rich sites of disease such as vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, inflamed synovium or tumor microenvironments. Because of their high targeting specificity, these lipoprotein-mimicking nanocomplexes significantly increase local concentration of agent, improve its imaging efficacy, diminish systemic toxicity, and significantly reduce dose. These flexible, multifunctional particles also have a high potential in image-guided therapy applications.
Apart from “SignaBlok’s integrated nanosystem” for targeted macrophage imaging there are no other non-invasive imaging modalities available which can efficiently detect and evaluate active inflammation in the following and other unmet areas.
AREAS OF SIGNABLOK IMAGING RESEARCH FOCUS:
Atherosclerosis
In atherosclerosis, targeted macrophage imaging can help diagnose the most dangerous, vulnerable plaques, those which are prone to rupture. Macrophage imaging can also help to monitor disease progression and treatment efficacy.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
In rheumatoid arthritis, imaging of macrophages can substantially improve early detection and treatment, preventing irreversible joint damage. Macrophage imaging can also help to identify high risk individuals as well as to monitor treatment efficacy.
