Researchers from Monash University's Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS) are collaborating with a US-led team from the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) to develop the first imaging agents designed to improve the diagnosis and treatment of lymphatic-related diseases. The project is supported by a USD$7.8 million (approximately AUD$11.8 million) LIGHT grant from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) and aims to enable real-time visualization of the digestive lymphatic system.
Project Overview
The collaborative research initiative focuses on developing innovative targeted agents for intestinal and liver lymphatic imaging. The project is led by Professor Maxim Itkin from the University of Pennsylvania, with Monash University's MIPS contributing key expertise. The primary goal is to address current limitations in studying the digestive lymphatic system, which plays a role in various health conditions.
Importance of the Lymphatic System
The digestive lymphatic system is involved in primary lymphatic diseases and related conditions such as tissue swelling (lymphedema), fluid build-up in the abdomen (ascites) resulting from heart or liver disease, and protein loss disorders. Current imaging methods for this system are described as invasive, technically difficult, and capable of capturing only small sections of the complex network, which limits effective diagnosis and monitoring.
Research Approach
The multidisciplinary research team plans to develop a new generation of injectable imaging agents. These agents are designed to travel through the intestinal and liver lymphatic systems, allowing researchers and clinicians to visualize lymphatic flow in real-time, from its origin in the liver and intestines to the bloodstream. The project will leverage advancements in chemistry, biomarkers, and lymphatic uptake to create and refine these agents, enhancing the observation of the lymphatic system's function.
Expected Impact
This real-time visualization capability is expected to assist in identifying where and why the lymphatic system may be dysfunctional in various diseases. The anticipated outcomes include earlier and more accurate diagnoses, as well as guidance for the development of targeted treatments. Conditions that could potentially benefit from this research include lymphatic diseases, diabetes, heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and cancer.
Key Personnel and Funding
The project is led by Professor Maxim Itkin from the University of Pennsylvania. Key investigators from the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS) include Professor Natalie Trevaskis, who specializes in lymphatic-related research, Dr. Amandeep Kaur, specializing in molecular imaging tools, and Professor Darren Creek. The project's funding is provided by a USD$7.8 million (~AUD$11.8 million) LIGHT grant from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H).