The University of Torino (UNITO) acquires an advanced MILabs molecular imaging system for the design of novel disease-targeting probes
April 14, 2020, Turin-Italy and Utrecht-the Netherlands
The ultra-modern Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences of the University of Turin has acquired MILabs cutting edge multi-modality VECTor6CT molecular imaging system. The high-resolution and ultra-sensitive PET, SPECT and CT modalities will be used by UNITO to optimize the targeting vectors of novel probes for disease diagnostics and therapy applications.
According to Prof. Enzo Terreno, PhD, Scientific Director of the Center for Preclinical Imaging: “The design and optimization of a targeting imaging probe is affected by the sensitivity of the imaging modality. With MILabs multimodality system, we can use PET, SPECT and CT technologies to concurrently image an existing control probe and a new targeted imaging probe in the same animal. This enables us to accelerate the design of novel probes since we can evaluate how the new specific targeted probe behaves in relation to a control probe at the same time and in the same disease model. The resulting experimental statistics are much better, and we can use significantly fewer animals than before.”
Prof. Frederik Beekman, PhD, the CEO of MILabs agrees: “The ability of the VECTorCT system to simultaneously image two co-injected PET tracers and multiple PET/SPECT tracers in the same animal eliminates many of the variables that can potentially interfere with the interpretation of experimental results. In a single imaging session, one can evaluate different probe designs for their affinity and specificity towards a biological target, or monitor two biological disease processes under the same physical and physiological conditions”
About the Molecular & Preclinical Imaging Centers at UNITO:
The Molecular and Preclinical Imaging Center is a cross-disciplinary chemistry and life science lab aimed at developing imaging probes that support preclinical research with focus in several life science areas. It was founded in 2001 by a joined initiative of chemists, biologists and physicians. Today, it is an internationally-recognized imaging science Center hosting the Italian Node of the EuroBioimaging European Research Infrastructure. It equipped with state-of-the-art imaging instrumentations covering many imaging modalities as well as multimodality imaging. For more information: http://www.cim.unito.it/website/index.php and http://www.mmmi.unito.it/it/node/3
About MILabs B.V.
This fast-growing Dutch company has a history of providing a continuum of innovations to expand the applications of preclinical imaging. With its latest adaptive platform, MILabs has succeeded at commercializing a scalable imaging platform, able to accommodate PET, SPECT, Optical and X-ray CT imaging. MILabs has built a strong brand based on its mission of “Making Imaging Clear”. With ultra-high-resolution and multiparametric imaging complemented by theranostic capabilities, it provides efficient translational systems for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. For more information, visit: www.milabs.com or contact MILabs at [email protected]
