Novel Compound with Potential for Early Detection and to Guide Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
Edinburgh, UK, September 20, 2017 – Edinburgh Molecular Imaging (EM Imaging), the clinical phase biotechnology company focused on enabling image-guided therapy, announces it has commenced a pivotal Phase IIb clinical trial with its novel compound, EMI-137, in patients with high suspicion of colorectal cancer (CRC). EM Imaging is backed by Epidarex Capital together with Scottish Investment Bank and Wren Capital.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide with approx. 41,000 people diagnosed every year in the UK and over 1.4 million people worldwide. Imaging with white light colonoscopy is the established method for the diagnosis and prevention of CRC. However, up to a quarter of cancerous and precancerous bowel cancer tumours can be missed using this method.
EMI has developed a novel fluorescent Optical Imaging Agent – EMI-137 – which targets and “lights-up” the cancer cells, helping surgeons to more easily identify and remove suspicious tumours. EMI-137 targets the cancer marker C-Met, which is overexpressed in CRC cells and cancer precursor cells.
The phase IIb study will be conducted by the Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR), a world renowned clinical research organization based in Leiden, in close collaboration with the Leiden University Medical Centre and the University Medical Center of Gröningen, The Netherlands. The Clinical Investigators at these sites are Professor James Hardwick and Dr Wouter Nagengest, who are among Europe’s leading clinicians advancing the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer.
Ian Wilson, CEO of Edinburgh Molecular Imaging, commented:
“The identification of flat, small non-polypoid lesions is a major problem as they cannot be detected by conventional imaging. EMI-137 has the potential to address this major unmet medical need by combining targeted molecular imaging probes and advanced imaging technology to improve polyp detection. Our team is extremely motivated to complete this product’s development and get it into the hands of physicians in order to benefit patients.”
Deborah Alsina, MBE, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, added:
“More than 9 out of 10 people will survive bowel cancer if it is detected at an early stage when treatments are more likely to be effective. Optical imaging techniques, using agents like EMI-137, could potentially reduce the number of polyps missed during colonoscopy, therefore significantly improving outcomes for patients. This next phase of the research will help us understand whether this method could be introduced routinely in practice and offer real benefits to patients. It is vital that that the UK and Europe continue to invest in studies and clinical trials to keep finding quicker and more effective ways to identify and diagnose patients early when the disease is curable.”
The objective of the clinical study is to assess the efficacy of EMI-137 in aiding clinicians to detect pathological lesions during colonoscopy. The study will involve up to 200 patients with a high suspicion of CRC. Interim results from the trial are expected in Q1 2018. EM Imaging and CHDR collaborated on the Phase I study of EMI-137 which showed a 25% increase in bowel cancer lesion detection compared to standard colonoscopy.
Improved polyp detection in this study might lead to further studies in extended target populations and, possibly, in the end to a wider adoption of fluorescence-guided endoscopy.
EM Imaging is also working with doctors and clinical centres in the UK, Europe, US and Asia to use EMI-137 to detect tumours during surgery. Studies are planned to look at improving cancer detection in a range of cancers including Breast Cancer, Gastric Cancer, Thyroid Cancer, Head & Neck Cancer, Prostate Cancer and Brain Cancer.
About Edinburgh Molecular Imaging
Edinburgh Molecular Imaging (EM Imaging) is a clinical phase biotechnology company focused on enabling image-guided therapy. The Company’s molecular imaging technology, based on Fluorescent Imaging, has the potential to detect disease in real-time during interventional procedures including surgery, providing more accurate treatment while sparing healthy tissue.
EM Imaging discovers and develops small molecules and peptides that, when conjugated with fluorescent dyes, targets diseased tissue – specifically cancerous cells. This will provide the clinician with a clearer view and decision-making tool to benefit the patient. For more information go to: www.edinimage.com
About Centre for Human Drug Research
The Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR) is a world renown Clinical Research Organisation in Leiden, The Netherlands with strong academic links which focuses on early drug development. Its mission is to develop compounds, therapeutic or diagnostic in an innovative and highly informative manner to allow early introduction of novel treatment paradigms into the clinic. www.chdr.nl
About Epidarex Capital
Epidarex invests in early-stage, high growth life science and health technology companies in under-ventured markets in the US and Europe. With offices in Bethesda, Maryland and in Edinburgh, Scotland, Epidarex works closely with the management of its portfolio companies to more effectively translate their world-class research to commercial, patient-driven success.
Epidarex’s international management team has a track record of successfully partnering with scientists and entrepreneurs to develop highly innovative products for the global healthcare market. Its global network includes investment professionals, scientists, industry executives, health practitioners, policy experts, regulatory advisors and business development leaders. More information is available at www.epidarex.com
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