PHARMIMAGE

A new pharmaco-imaging platform

In vivo imaging is a strategic technology used for the faster development of new pharmaceutical drugs. Connected to pharmacology and imaging, translational research has a major impact at the transitional phase of the compound’s development from animals to humans. Oncodesign is a world leader in the preclinical evaluation of cancer therapies and has developed in-house skills for small animal in vivo imaging. Oncodesign has established new partnerships with academic research laboratories, clinical centers and several companies to create PHARMIMAGE, a pharmaco-imaging platform in Dijon, France.

Translational projects

PHARMIMAGE‘s scientific expertise is translational in nature and covers research projects, as well as preclinical and clinical applications. This collaborative effort involves internationally recognized research teams in radiochemistry (ICMUB, CheMatech), nanotechnologies (ICB-UMR5209), signal analysis (LE2I-UMR5188, Eyenetics), and knowledge management systems (CCITI). These partners complement Oncodesign‘s preclinical pharmacology platform and the phase I/IIb clinical centers (Georges François Leclerc Center, University and Hospital Center of Dijon). This novel transfer-oriented core facility will focus on the development of contrast agents, the characterization of new biomarkers to enhance pathology-based diagnosis, follow-up treatment, and the selection of highly efficacious compounds.

6 million euros investment

PHARMIMAGE is managed by its own independent Economic Interest Group. This economic partnership ensures a stable and long-term involvement of all contributors, already committed by common research programs and the sharing of equipment. The business plan, sponsored and financed by local public councils, covers an investment of more than 6 million Euros over the next 3 years. These assets will be applied to the set up and operation of new imaging equipment (S.P.E.C.T., µPET, ultrasound). Other imaging equipment (preclinical MRI, clinical MRI, X-ray and PET) are already in use by the partners, who are recognized in their field of expertise, and who will be associated in this new core facility.

A research-dedicated cyclotron

The construction of a research-dedicated cyclotron is a major element of this project, and we are looking for an industrial sponsor to run the cyclotron. The sponsor will be in charge of managing the cyclotron in support of research programs and preclinical studies. In coordination with a radio-labelling department, the cyclotron will produce ⁶⁴Cu, ¹¹C and ¹⁸F. Besides research production, FDG could be produced according to GMP standards to support the needs of local hospitals or as a back-up for other French cyclotrons.

Competitive advantage

PHARMIMAGE is uniquely positioned to offer a competitive advantage to its industrial partners in the fields of tracers and new biomarkers. Oncology will be a major focus throughout Oncodesign‘s participation in the project, giving the promise of early access to new therapeutic compounds to the sponsor. Cardiology and neurology are fields of application currently under development by other partners. Translational expertise, high quality technology transfer, and mutual benefit are the true goals of PHARMIMAGE. In this context, we are currently taking bids from suppliers and potential industrial partners for our new platform equipment, cyclotron management, or investment in our applied research program.