Services

Molecular Imaging provides an array of services collectively focused on the in vivo evaluation of new drug candidates’ therapeutic potential. Our deep drug discovery, pharmacology, and in vivo imaging expertise deliver enhanced predictive power.

We apply our technologies throughout the drug discovery through development continuum. In the discovery phase of our clients’ projects, the data we generate to validate new drug targets help validate biomarkers of response, and aid in the selection of drug candidates for advanced preclinical and clinical development. For more advanced compounds, we confirm the quantitative correlation between target suppression and efficacy, define the most sensitive patient populations or indications, determine optimal treatment regimens, and model clinical applications for single-agent treatment, drug-combination regimens or multi-modality therapy.

Advantages of our in vivo imaging focus in discovery and development decision-making include:

  • The evaluation of more realistic and predictive models of disease that are otherwise difficult, or impossible, to quantify.
  • The ability to generate multiple, spatially-resolved anatomical, functional, and molecular-level readouts from a single study.
  • Inherent, continuous tracking of disease progression or response in individual animals.
  • The ability to validate other commercial considerations in the R&D process, such as co-development of biomarkers, probes, and imaging methodologies with down-stream value.
  • The provision of data otherwise unattainable, or complementary, to current methodologies that increase decision-making confidence.
  • Endpoint measurements directly translatable to clinical practice.

Our services

  • Validation of novel targets.

    A crucial, first-discovery milestone is proof of principle that successful modulation of a novel target is safe and provides a therapeutic effect against the targeted disease.

  • Selection of potential drug candidates.

    Discovery programs often require the selection of an optimal compound. In vivo determination of the most efficacious compounds is a critical factor in the selection process.

  • Determination of optimal treatment regimens.

    Evaluation of the route of administration, dose level, and treatment frequency produces optimal treatment outcomes with regard to efficacy and safety profiles.

  • Optimization of multi-drug or multi-modality treatment regimens.

    The treatment of cancer, in particular, typically involves simultaneous treatment with multiple drugs and/or radiation. The use of efficacy models determines synergistic, or antagonistic, combinations and optimizes the most promising. These data are vital for prioritization and clinical trial planning.

  • Modeling of adjuvant therapies and minimal residual disease scenarios.

  • Validation of potential clinical-imaging strategies.

    Clinical management of many diseases increasingly involves imaging-based patient enrollment and determination of response. Preclinical validation of intended imaging strategies is necessary to optimize use of clinical-trial imaging and provides confidence that the imaging biomarker relationship with the intended readout is understood and not uncoupled in any way.

Support Services

  • Determination of tolerance or effects on host physiology.

    We provide basic, dose-range finding services for appropriate dose-level selection and the potential identification of toxicity on target organs. We can also use our imaging technologies to determine drug-induced changes in host physiology, such as vascular perfusion and tissue energy charge.

  • Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics profiling.

    We can generate tissue or blood samples and also arrange for sample analysis.

  • Tissue biodistribution.

    Using our imaging technologies, we can monitor the tissue distribution of targeted biological therapies and, in some cases, small molecules.

  • Cell tracking.

    Various imaging strategies can be used to track the targeting, localization, and dissemination of appropriately ex vivo or in vivo labeled cells with high sensitivity.

  • Custom model development.

    We have available an extensive and rapidly-growing array of disease models and an extensive tumor bank. To optimize our clients’ research productivity, we collaborate to create strategies for rapid development of new models.

  • Imaging of client-provided samples.

    We provide ex vivo imaging services for tissue samples provided by our clients, including micro-CT of bone, perfused tumors or other harvested tissue samples.

  • Analysis of externally-derived imaging data.

    We leverage our experience and optimization of image data analysis procedures for image data analysis work, based on supplied data sets. Efficient, quality-controlled, analysis protocols allow us to deliver high-quality endpoints under aggressive timelines.

  • Guidance/Consulting.

    We consult extensively with our clients and collaborate at the outset to ensure optimal model selection and study design. At the end of a study we provide advice about data interpretation and suggested next steps. We also provide contract-based consulting services on non-study related issues. Examples include design of imaging strategies for development, review and interpretation of externally-derived data sets, and evaluation of potential in-licensing or investment candidates related to imaging technologies.

  • Characterization of novel imaging probes and technologies.

    The discovery and development process for new imaging probes and molecules requires careful, preclinical-imaging testing. For nearly a decade we have assisted clients in the validation of novel imaging strategies and applications.

  • Biomarker discovery and optimization.

    The use of biomarkers to confirm modulation of the molecular target and as efficacy predictors, commonly accompanies most drug discovery programs. Simultaneous quantitative correlation of the putative biomarker response with the ultimate efficacy readout is essential. Biomarkers are increasingly imaging-based. We offer a powerful mix of validated-disease models with imaging endpoints for validation of imaging biomarkers.

  • Prevention of disease.

    Many of our disease models can be used to evaluate novel prevention strategies and drug candidates.