molecular imaging agents
(optical contrast agents)

Spectros is developing a series of optical agents for human clinical use. These agents are available on a research basis for animal and cell research on request.

Prostate Cancer *

For prostate cancer, Spectros has completed pre-clinical testing of ProstaFluor™, a prostate-seeking fluorescent agent that targets residual prostate cancer for detection and excision during prostate surgery. Phase I/II trials in human subjects are in the planning stages. Spectros has shown the ability of ProstaFluor to detect residual disease in animals as well as to detect metastatic disease. Spectros anticipates issuance of patents that protect this approach of contrast targeted surgery in the US, Europe, and Japan, with early work on this project since the 1990's, giving Spectros strong and early intellectual property in this area. This agent is being developed in collaboration with developmental commercial and university partners.

Ovarian Cancer *

For ovarian cancer, Spectros has developed OvaFluor™, a ovarian-cancer and inflammation-seeking fluorescent agent. This agent is in animal testing. 

White Blood Cell Tracking *

For inflammation and white blood cell tracking, Spectros has developed LeukoFluor™, an activated-macrophage-seeking fluorescent agent. This agent is in animal testing. 

Blood Pool Agent *

For tracking blood pool distribution and size, Spectros has developed HemoFluor™, a PEG-conjugated agent that remains in circulation. This agent is in animal testing.

* NOTE: These agents have not been approved by the US FDA for human use. Therefore, they are authorized for ex vivo cell or in vivo animal use only. Human use of these agents is permitted only for investigational use under IRB-approved protocols approved by Spectros.