In parallel to our small molecule drug conjugate (SMDC) programs, Philochem has developed and patented a number of radiolabeled ligands for cancer imaging. These radiolabeled ligands consist of a high affinity binder of tumor-associated antigens, conjugated to different chelating moieties for the functionalization with several radioisotopes. For example, Onco IX (PHC-102), a proprietary 99mTc-radiolabelled ligand of Carbonic Anhydrase IX (CAIX), which is a validated marker of solid tumors, has been successfully used for the imaging of patients with primary and metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
In principle, Onco IX can also be considered for the imaging of other hypoxic tumors like colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, head & neck cancer and others.
Philochem has also developed a high-affinity ligand against Fibroblast Activating Protein alpha (FAP), which has a pan-tumoral targeting potential, and the imaging of cancer patients is in planning.
Kulterer et al. (2020) J Nucl Med, Online ahead of print
Cazzamalli et al. (2016) Mol Cancer Ther, 15, 2926-35
Krall et al. (2016) J Nucl Med, 57, 943-9
Minn et al. (2016) Oncotarget, 7, 56471-79
Yang et al. (2015) Oncotarget, 6, 33733-42