Salinomycin-based MRI contrast agents for treatment of solid cancers
The patent was granted to Irena Pashkunova-Martic (Node: DIP) and Juliana Ivanova equally on 15.08.2024 for their invention of a novel, powerful theranostic agent that allows for the detection, treatment, and monitoring of cancer with a particularly advantageous safety and efficacy profile. The theranostic agent comprises a complex of the natural ionophore antibiotic Salinomycin (SAL) with a paramagnetic metal cation of Gd, or manganese (Mn), or iron (Fe) alternatively. The SAL-Gd complex shows an advantageously increased signal in MRI, which is superior to the effect achieved by the clinically applied contrast agents gadopentetate dimeglumine and gadoteridol. Current negotiations are going with potential partners from the industry for accelerating possible clinical translation.