MetaProbe Inc has obtained an exclusive worldwide license to the University of Michigan's iodinated triglyceride (ITG) and lipid emulsion (LE) technologies for applications in molecular imaging and drug delivery. Initial applications of the technologies will focus on improving the detection, staging, and treatment of hepatobiliary and vascular disorders.

The ITG agents were originally developed by researchers in the University of Michigan's departments of radiology and pharmacology to overcome deficiencies in imaging disorders of the hepatobiliary system (liver, gall bladder and bile ducts) using computed tomography (CT). In conjunction with the LE delivery system, these agents specifically localize to and enhance the liver and other biliary anatomy. Subsequent studies conducted at Michigan and elsewhere have demonstrated that the technology can be adapted for use in enhancing the detection of peripheral, cerebral and cardiac diseases as well.

Finally, the LE technology can also be used as a highly efficient and cell-selective delivery vehicle to administer significant quantities of therapeutic drugs to liver cells while simultaneously minimizing systemic exposure and potential drug side effects. Since its introduction, the ITG-LE technology has been the subject of more than 45 scientific papers and abstracts, and has won numerous awards at scientific conferences.

"MetaProbe's acquisition of the ITG-LE technology significantly broadens our approach to the development of novel agents that will add breakthrough capabilities to traditional imaging and targeted drug delivery," said Michael Beeuwsaert, MetaProbe president and chief executive officer. "These new agents are expected to have a broad range of research and clinical applications in the rapidly growing field of molecular medicine."

MetaProbe is planning to develop a family of imaging products based on ITGs delivered via a stable oil-in-water lipid emulsion (LE). These product candidates address many of the limitations of liver and vascular imaging techniques today. The company's initial ITG-LE imaging formulation exploits natural lipid metabolism pathways to deliver ITGs specifically to liver cells following intravenous administration. In preclinical studies, the ITG-LE technology has been shown to provide excellent visualization of the entire hepatobiliary system in seven different animal species. The major indications successfully imaged include visualization of solid tumors (primary and metastatic), biliary obstruction, diffuse liver disease and the metabolic status of the liver. The biochemical design rationale and performance capabilities of the ITG-LE technology allow the routine detection of focal hepatic lesions smaller than one centimeter, and make it easier and less invasive to administer than current CT contrast agents. MetaProbe intends to advance this product into Phase I clinical testing in mid 2004.

The company is also developing a second-generation ITG-LE product with extended blood residence time for the detection of peripheral and coronary artery disease. This product has completed several proof-of-principle animal studies, and additional preclinical testing is planned for 2003.

The potential drug delivery opportunities envisioned for the LE technology are numerous and range from localized delivery of therapies for hepatitis to delivery of radioprotectants used to spare healthy liver tissue during radiation oncology procedures. MetaProbe intends to conduct proof-of- principle studies in preclinical models during 2003.