ICG68-PROG SIGNED

Project "ICG68-PROG" data sheet

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 Partnership

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 Project objective

Aberrant hepatocyte growth factor/hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR or c-Met) signalling is involved in the development of several tumor types. Monitoring of c-Met expression in real time will assist in the diagnosis and in the monitoring of response to therapy. The overall objective of the ICG68-PROG is to create a library of novel molecular agents able to effectively target c-Met and to efficiently bind gallium-68, and therefore to be exploited as c-Met PET imaging tracers. The expected results of the ICG68-PROG are to select the most promising and effective tracers among the library of synthesized compounds for further preclinical development. The objective of the ICG68-PROG will be achieved thanks to a rational design and synthesis of the novel peptide-chelator bioconjugates. Firstly, the gallium binding units will be developed, then c-Met binding peptides will be synthesized. The two chemical moieties will then be conjugated and the gallium chelating capabilities, as well as the c-Met binding capabilities, will be evaluated. It is logical to believe that, in future clinical practice, non-invasive PET imaging with the developed tracers will support not only the diagnosis of c-Met overexpressed cancers but also the selection of patients for c-Met–targeting drugs (Met inhibitors and anti-Met antibodies), as well as identifying responding and nonresponding patients for such therapeutic agents. According to the European Cancer Information System, the most common estimated and lethal causes of cancer are breast, prostate, lung and bronchus, and colon & rectum. In these tumors, the c-Met receptor is often overexpressed. In this context the products derived from the development of the ICG68-PROG will create powerful tools for the detection and monitoring of the most common and lethal cancers among Europe and worldwide, making the ICG68-PROG at the forefront for the fighting of a major public health problem and of primary interest for the European citizens.