Indiana Patent of the Month – June 2024

On Target Laboratories, LLC has pioneered a groundbreaking advancement in cancer treatment with their innovative composition utilizing pafolacianine. This novel compound is designed to enhance the visualization of malignant lesions during surgical procedures, particularly for cancers such as ovarian and lung cancers.

Traditional cancer surgeries often face challenges in identifying and completely removing cancerous tissues. On Target Laboratories’ composition addresses this critical need by leveraging pafolacianine, which binds selectively to folate receptors commonly overexpressed in cancer cells. Upon administration, the pafolacianine emits fluorescence when exposed to near-infrared light, providing surgeons with real-time, precise visualization of cancerous lesions.

The process begins with the intravenous administration of the composition, which includes specific concentrations of pafolacianine, sodium chloride, and phosphate buffers to maintain stability and efficacy. This solution, adjusted to a pH between 7.1 to 7.8, ensures optimal conditions for both administration and subsequent fluorescence detection.

During surgery, the surgeon illuminates the suspected cancerous areas with a suitable light source, causing the pafolacianine-bound lesions to fluoresce distinctly. This fluorescence aids in accurately delineating cancerous tissues from healthy ones, facilitating more precise surgical resection. Such targeted visualization not only improves the thoroughness of cancer removal but also reduces the likelihood of leaving residual cancer cells behind.

The method supports various surgical approaches, including both manual and robotic-assisted techniques, enhancing versatility in clinical applications. The integration of advanced imaging systems further refines the procedure, enabling detailed monitoring and verification of cancerous tissue margins.

On Target Laboratories’ commitment to advancing cancer treatment through innovation is evident in their development of this composition. By improving the efficacy of cancer surgeries through enhanced visualization, they aim to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. This invention stands as a testament to the power of research and development in transforming medical practice and patient care in oncology.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

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