Highly Specific Cartilage-Targeting Imaging Agents for Early Detection of Arthritis

Description

This technology is a new class of dyes designed for cartilage-specific imaging in the near-infrared-II (NIR-II) window. Currently, there is a lack of tissue-specific diagnostic methods for early detection of arthritis, and of clinically available, high quality, cartilage contrast agents. This lack of early diagnostic capability means that diagnosis of arthritis occurs at later stages of disease, potentially leading to irreversible joint damage and reduced treatment efficacy.

This technology meets the important need for earlier diagnosis with dyes that demonstrate a high affinity for cartilage tissue and offer superior imaging capabilities, with minimal tissue scattering and autofluorescence. The dyes demonstrate low toxicity and high specificity, making them promising imaging agents for clinical diagnostics and tools for research in joint diseases.

Benefits

Specific– high cartilage-specific affinity enabling precise imaging
Low Background – operates in the NIR-II window for minimal tissue scattering and autofluorescence
Low Toxicity – low toxicity levels in both in vitro and in vivo models