Ferronova has developed FerroTrace®, a mannose-labeled iron-oxide nanoparticle system designed for precise detection of high-risk lymph nodes in upper gastrointestinal cancers, enhancing surgical guidance and treatment planning. This technology addresses the challenge of accurately staging complex cancers, which is critical for improving patient survival rates.
Funding
$7.8M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
RPFounders
Product
Problem
Upper gastrointestinal cancers often lead to poor patient outcomes due to locoregional recurrence and metastasis, with current methods for detecting high-risk lymph nodes during surgery lacking the necessary precision. Existing dyes and radiotracers have limitations in specificity, durability, and logistical constraints, potentially affecting accurate staging and treatment planning.
Solution
Ferronova's FerroTrace® is a mannose-labeled iron-oxide nanoparticle system designed to enhance the detection of high-risk lymph nodes in upper gastrointestinal cancers, improving surgical guidance and treatment planning. FerroTrace® is designed to be administered prior to neoadjuvant treatment, enabling better mapping of high-risk lymph nodes that guides radiation and surgical planning. The nanoparticle tracer is designed for uptake into the lymphatic system and retention in high-risk lymph nodes. It can be used in conjunction with existing surgical laparoscopic and robotic NIR cameras to enhance intra-operative visualization. The extended retention of FerroTrace® enables MRI prior to neoadjuvant treatment, addressing the sensitivity and accuracy limitations of conventional dyes or radiotracers.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes radiologists, surgeons, and radiation oncologists specializing in upper gastrointestinal cancers, as well as pathologists requiring accurate staging information.
Features
- Mannose-labelled iron-oxide nanoparticles for targeted uptake by macrophages in high-risk lymph nodes
- Designed for use with existing surgical laparoscopic and robotic NIR cameras
- Extended retention in lymph nodes, potentially up to 6 months
- Facilitates MRI prior to neoadjuvant treatment for improved mapping
- No radiation exposure to the patient or staff
- Eliminates time-sensitive logistical issues associated with radioisotope tracers