Luna Innovations Successfully Demonstrates MRI Contrast AgentLuna Innovations has produced and demonstrated a prototype contrast
30 Abril 2008 - 9:48AM
Business Wire
The product development team at the nanoWorks division of Luna
Innovations Incorporated (NASDAQ:LUNA) has produced a novel class
of molecules designed to provide a new approach to improve the
quality of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Luna�s molecules have
initially proven to be more effective at enhancing images and are
potentially safer than current MRI agents. This new class of
molecules provides a platform upon which Luna plans to build a
portfolio of nanomedicines aimed at disease targeting and
diagnostic imaging. MRI is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that
enables physicians to visualize organs, soft tissues, bone and
virtually all other internal body structures through magnetic
interactions. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays). These
medical imaging procedures are enhanced by the use of contrast
agents to further improve diagnosis. The MRI contrast agent market
is reported to be more than $1 billion annually and is currently
dominated by gadolinium chelate-based agents which are the subject
of class-action lawsuit concerns due to the potential release of
gadolinium into the body. The new class of molecules discovered by
Luna is called HYDROCHALARONETM [ h?-dr?-kal-a-r?ne ]� Hydro,
meaning water, combined with Chalaro, the Greek word for relax. The
level of relaxivity is the characteristic of molecules that
provides the image enhancement. �The high relaxivity in
Hydrochalarone means fewer molecules are needed to obtain a better
quality image,� said Robert Lenk, President of Luna�s nanoWorks
division. �Our studies demonstrate that our proprietary
nanomaterials do not release gadolinium under conditions which are
found in the human body. Our imaging studies in mice have shown
Hydrochalarone improves image quality up to 30 minutes after
injection at a dose 20 times lower than that used with current
agents.� "Achieving high magnetic resonance relaxivity with a
small, biologically inert, chemical moiety that can be derivatized
for targeted tissue delivery, cell tracking, or inclusion as part
of a nanoparticle drug delivery vehicle is a Holy Grail within the
fast evolving field of biomarker development,� said Dr. Joseph
Ackerman renowned MRI researcher and Chemistry Department Chairman
at Washington University in St. Louis. �The design and production
of Hydrochalarones by scientists at Luna nanoWorks may herald such
an advance." Luna�s HYDROCHALARONETM was selected for preclinical
studies and a collaboration with National Cancer Institute�s
Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL). �We hope within
12 months the NCL will provide us a complete preclinical package
which will contribute to an Investigational New Drug application,�
said Lenk. �The end goal of Luna�s product development effort with
the Hydrochalarone is using it as a fundamental building block that
will generate a portfolio of novel imaging agents targeted to
reveal diagnostic information specific for a variety of different
diseases, such as cancer tumors, sites of inflammation and plaque
related to coronary artery diseases, as announced in our previous
press release.� �We are continuing to develop innovative new
diagnostics and therapeutics based on our proprietary
nanotechnologies which have the potential to change medical
practice,� stated Kent Murphy, Luna�s Chairman and CEO. �According
to the Food and Drug Administration, the use of today�s gadolinium
chelate-based contrast agents may pose a significant health threat
to patients, particularly in those with kidney or liver disease.
With Luna�s new molecule, we anticipate the development of a
portfolio of products based on a new approach to enhancing medical
images and provide a better outcome for patients.� For more
information, visit www.lunananoworks.com. About Luna Innovations:
Luna Innovations Incorporated (www.lunainnovations.com) develops
and manufactures new-generation products for the healthcare,
telecommunications, energy and defense markets. Luna�s products are
used to measure, monitor, protect and improve critical processes in
the markets we serve. Luna nanoWorks is a division of Luna
Innovations. With a world-class nanomaterial manufacturing facility
in Danville, Virginia, the nanoWorks Division is developing
products empowered by nanomaterials with applications in
diagnostics, therapeutics, and organic solar cells. For more
information visit www.lunananoworks.com. Forward Looking / Safe
Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995: This press release includes information that constitutes
�forward-looking statements� made pursuant to the safe harbor
provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995,
including but not limited to Luna Innovations� and its nanoWorks
division�s expected development of potential products with respect
to MRI contrast agents. The company attempts, whenever possible, to
identify forward-looking statements by words such as �intends,�
�will,� �plans,� �anticipates,� �expects,� �may,� �estimates,�
�believes,� �should,� �projects,� or �continue,� or the negative of
those words and other comparable words. Similarly, statements that
describe the company�s business strategy, goals, prospects,
opportunities, outlook, objectives, plans or intentions are also
forward-looking statements. Actual events or results may differ
materially from the expectations expressed in such forward-looking
statements as a result of various factors, including risks and
uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company�s control.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements
include, but are not limited to: the company�s ability to
successfully identify market needs for new products; the potential
adverse effects of nanotechnology, nanomedicines, or imaging agents
whether real or perceived; and the potential limitations of
regulatory requirements in obtaining clearance by the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration or other regulatory agencies for the company�s
products. Additional factors that may affect the future results of
the company are set forth in the company�s quarterly and annual
reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K, respectively, and other filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (�SEC�), which are
available at the SEC�s website at http://www.sec.gov, and at the
Company�s website at http://www.lunainnovations.com. These risk
factors are updated from time to time through the filing of
periodic reports with the SEC. The statements made in this press
release are based on information available to the company as of the
date of this release and Luna Innovations undertakes no obligation
to update any of the forward-looking statements herein after the
date of this press release.
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