EDINBURGH, Scotland, September 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Edinburgh Molecular Imaging (EM Imaging), the clinical phase biotechnology company focused on enabling image-guided therapy, announces it has commenced a pivotal Phase IIb clinical trial with its novel compound, EMI-137, in patients with high suspicion of colorectal cancer (CRC). EM Imaging is backed by Epidarex Capital together with Scottish Investment Bank and Wren Capital.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide with approx. 41,000 people diagnosed every year in the UK and over 1.4 million people worldwide. Imaging with white light colonoscopy is the established method for the diagnosis and prevention of CRC. However, up to a quarter of cancerous and precancerous bowel cancer tumours can be missed using this method.

EMI has developed a novel fluorescent Optical Imaging Agent - EMI-137 - which targets and "lights-up" the cancer cells, helping surgeons to more easily identify and remove suspicious tumours. EMI-137 targets the cancer marker C-Met, which is overexpressed in CRC cells and cancer precursor cells.

The phase IIb study will be conducted by the Centre for Human Drug Research (CHDR), a world renowned clinical research organization based in Leiden, in close collaboration with the Leiden University Medical Centre and the University Medical Center of Gröningen, The Netherlands. The Clinical Investigators at these sites are Professor James Hardwick and Dr Wouter Nagengest, who are among Europe's leading clinicians advancing the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer.

Ian Wilson, CEO of Edinburgh Molecular Imaging, commented:

"The identification of flat, small non-polypoid lesions is a major problem as they cannot be detected by conventional imaging. EMI-137 has the potential to address this major unmet medical need by combining targeted molecular imaging probes and advanced imaging technology to improve polyp detection. Our team is extremely motivated to complete this product's development and get it into the hands of physicians in order to benefit patients."

Deborah Alsina, MBE, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, added:

"More than 9 out of 10 people will survive bowel cancer if it is detected at an early stage when treatments are more likely to be effective. Optical imaging techniques, using agents like EMI-137, could potentially reduce the number of polyps missed during colonoscopy, therefore significantly improving outcomes for patients. This next phase of the research will help us understand whether this method could be introduced routinely in practice and offer real benefits to patients. It is vital that that the UK and Europe continue to invest in studies and clinical trials to keep finding quicker and more effective ways to identify and diagnose patients early when the disease is curable."

Molecular Imaging Homepage