SPCCT : In Vivo Spectral Photon Counting CT Molecular Imaging in Cardio- and Neuro-Vascular Diseases

Key information / Informations

•    Funding programme / Programme de financement: H2020
•    Coordinator / Coordinateur: Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1
•    Partners’ list / Liste des partenaires :

o    UNIVERSITE CLAUDE BERNARD LYON 1
o    PHILIPS GmbH
o    PHILIPS MEDICAL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES Ltd
o    MATHYM SAS
o    UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI TORINO
o    VOXCAN
o    ERASMUS UNIVERSITEIT ROTTERDAM
o    CLINIQUES UNIVERSITAIRES SAINT-LUC
o    LYON INGENIERIE PROJETS
o    KING'S COLLEGE LONDON
o    BRACCO IMAGING S.p.A

•    Budget : 6 441 663,75€
•    Grant / Subvention : 6 441 663,75€
•    Début – Fin : 01/01/2016-30/06/2021

Context / Contexte

Computed Tomography is the most widely used imaging method in the world and has transformed patient care. Spectral Photon Counting CT is a new imaging modality based on the usual CT concept with the key difference of energy resolving detector technology. The additional spectral information can be used for material separation and can deliver additional, new contrast with clinically relevant new information. The most important novel capability of Spectral CT is K-Edge imaging for selective and quantitative detection of specific elements including among others iodine, gold, bismuth, gadolinium or ytterbium. The full potential of Spectral CT can be exploited in combination with targeted contrast materials carrying a payload with a compatible K-edge.
Whereas today, the imaging agent market is dominated by contrast agents (65% of the market for 35% to SPECT/TEP tracers) for cardiovascular and brain imaging, development of new targeted imaging agents is anticipated. It is expected to continue its increase ($10.4 million of global pharmaceutics in 2010, and estimated $14.1 million in 2015). The main challenge is however to keep the application spectrum large enough for sales turnover. Imaging agents are also envisaged as new biomarkers and test companions for drug clinical trials, enabling faster transfer of innovative treatment to patients by a more personalized approach.

Objectives / Objectifs

The objective of the SPCCT is to develop and validate a widely accessible, new quantitative and analytical in vivo imaging technology combining Spectral Photon Counting CT and contrast agents, to accurately and early detect, characterize and monitor neurovascular and cardiovascular disease. This transversal project addresses one of the main challenges for molecular imaging agents, i.e. the scale-up process from lab chemistry to production to enabling successively proof-of-concept (PoC) studies, pre-clinical and clinical trials.

Expected impact and results / Impact et résultats attendus

This project will overcome the actual limitations of all the current available imaging modalities used in CV by developing a non-radioactive molecular imaging technique using SPCCT in human. This will be achievable with a high spatial resolution combined with the newly developed vascular inflammation specific contrast agent detected with high quality K-edge technique that can only be provided by a multispectral X-ray system.
Another important element of this project is that the concept can be further extended to other fields that need specificity and spatial resolution, in particular oncology.
Constrast agent production and PoC will be an essential step, but only for a limited number of candidates. The first step, human cell culture test will be obtained with a minimal production concern, but testing in small animals implies a scale-up for synthesis, with various issues depending on the platform (macromolecule,nanoparticles) and on the target moiety. After the termination of the project, effective translational research with first in-man evaluations can be anticipated in the neuro and cardiovascular diseases.

LIP’s contribution / Rôle de LIP :

Lyon Ingénierie Projets will mainly ensure efficient project management, assist the coordinator with the monitoring of the different work packages, and overall financial and administrative management. LIP will be the contact point and a support for the coordinator and all partners as regards project administration and financial rules, as well as IPR rules. LIP will also contribute to the dissemination and exploitation of the knowledge generated during the project.