Technology

We have a deep understanding of and experience in translating CD206 targeting technology, particularly in the area of radiopharmaceuticals, into novel products to advance patient care. We believe that by applying this underlying technology from our Manocept CD206 targeting platform, Navidea has the potential to develop next-generation targeted therapies for cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and other inflammatory diseases.

Manocept™ CD206-Targeting Platform for Potential Immunodiagnostic and Immunotherapeutic Applications

Navidea’s Manocept™ platform is predicated on the ability to specifically target the CD206 mannose receptor expressed on macrophages. Macrophages play important roles in many disease states and are an emerging target in many disorders.

The Backbone for Diagnostic or Drug Conjugates

This flexible and versatile Manocept platform acts as an engine for purpose-built molecules that may enhance diagnostic accuracy, clinical decision-making, targeted treatments and ultimately patient care.

As an immunodiagnostic tool, the Manocept technology has the potential to utilize a breadth of imaging modalities, including SPECT, PET, intra-operative and/or optical-fluorescence detection. Navidea is developing a pipeline of immunodiagnostic applications beginning with rheumatoid arthritis, Kaposi’s sarcoma and cardiovascular disease with an addressable market that is substantial.

By adding a therapeutic agent on the Manocept molecular backbone, there is the potential to develop novel, targeted immunotherapies specifically designed to selectively deliver a drug that can kill or alter disease-associated macrophages.

Medical Information

Our technology is applied across various indication areas. Here you will find additional medical information on several topics and applications:

Lymph Nodes in Cancer

The lymph system is a critical component of the body’s immune system. Comprised of a complex network of organs, nodes, ducts and vessels, the lymph system generates and transports lymph – a fluid rich in white blood cells, known as lymphocytes – from tissues into the bloodstream. The key engines of the lymph system are lymph nodes – small round or bean-shaped structures that fulfill multiple roles: producing disease-fighting lymphocytes, filtering lymph of bacteria and cancer cells, and signaling infection by swelling in response to heightened levels of pathogens.

Unfortunately, the lymph system is also a common pathway for cancer to spread or metastasize to distant sites. In fact, malignant cells will often infiltrate lymph nodes as an initial step of the metastatic process. The degree of lymph node involvement is instrumental to staging cancer, establishing suitable treatment regimens and offering an appropriate prognosis. Studies in a broad range of malignancies demonstrate that the greater the extent of lymph node involvement, the poorer the likely outcome.

Sources

  • National Library of Medicine/National Institutes on Health, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, “Lymph System”. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002247.htm. Accessed 11/10/11.
  • Kawada, et al., “Significance and mechanism of lymph node metastasis in cancer progression”, Cancer Research 2011 Feb 15;71(4):1214-8. Epub 2011 Jan 6.
  • National Cancer Institute, “Cancer Staging”
  • http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/detection/staging Accessed 11/10/11.
  • De Boer, et al., “Breast cancer prognosis and occult lymph node metastases, isolated tumor cells, and Micrometastases”, Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 2010, 102 (6): 410-425
  • Okamoto, et al., “Number and anatomical extent of lymph node metastases in gastric cancer: Analysis using intra-lymph node injection of activated carbon particles (CH40)”, Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology, 1999, 29 (2): 74-77
  • Hsu, et al., “Prediction of prognosis by the extent of lymph node involvement in squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus”, European Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, 2001 Jan;19(1):10-3.

Intraoperative Lymphatic Mapping

Lymphatic mapping is a procedure designed to guide lymph node dissection and biopsy procedures. It consists of Intraoperative Lymphatic Mapping (ILM), often accompanied by lymphoscintigraphy. Lymphoscintigraphy is an imaging procedure routinely performed pre-operatively to provide guidance on the location of lymph nodes to be biopsied. ILM is a surgical procedure in which lymph nodes draining the area around a tumor are identified and biopsied to determine if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. These nodes, commonly referred to as “Sentinel Lymph Nodes,” are removed and analyzed for the presence of malignant cells.

Sources

  • Kaleya RN, Heckman JT, Most M, Zager JS. Lymphatic mapping and sentinel node biopsy: a surgical perspective. Semin Nucl Med. 2005; 35:129–34.
  • Kelley, et al., “Lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymphadenectomy for breast cancer”, The American Journal of Surgery, The American Journal of Surgery, 2004 188:50.