GenSpera, Inc. (OTCBB: GNSZ) announced that it has acquired a patent application from the Johns Hopkins University and the University of Copenhagen for technology relating to medical imaging. The technology incorporates derivatives of thapsigargin, the active ingredient in GenSpera's therapeutics program, coupled with its patented tumor-targeted peptides, to create cancer-specific imaging compounds. When used in conjunction with standard imaging modalities, such as positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), this technology allows for the detection and monitoring of tumors that have accumulated the imaging compound.
“These thapsigargin derivatives are a natural extension of our work with G-202 and G-115, the lead cancer drugs in GenSpera's pipeline”
"The acquisition of this intellectual property allows GenSpera to extend its current expertise in thapsigargin chemistry to medical imaging modalities and complements our existing business," said Dr. Craig Dionne, Chairman and CEO of GenSpera. "The GenSpera cancer imaging platform has the potential to dramatically improve the ability of oncologists to assess the extent of disease and monitor the ongoing progress of cancer treatments."
"These thapsigargin derivatives are a natural extension of our work with G-202 and G-115, the lead cancer drugs in GenSpera's pipeline," said Dr. Soren Brogger Christensen, Professor of Pharmacognosy at the University of Copenhagen and co-inventor of the technology. "I am delighted that GenSpera has acquired this application as they have the vision, know-how and determination to bring these important potential medical applications to realization."
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