MEDPHOT consortium aims to develop light-based molecular imaging solution for pulmonary diseases
Regulatory News:
Mauna Kea Technologies (Paris:MKEA) (OTCQX:MKEAY) (Euronext: MKEA) inventor of Cellvizio, the multidisciplinary probe and needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (p/nCLE) platform, today announced it is part of a molecular imaging consortium that was awarded €5.4 million by the Perspective Program of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO).
Molecular imaging provides insight into molecular and cellular processes in the body, and has the potential to transform healthcare by offering earlier detection and enabling more precise treatment of diseasesFor over a decade, the Netherlands has been striving to be a leader in unifying, advancing and optimizing molecular imaging, with an ultimate goal of improving human health. In a continuing effort to promote molecular imaging, the international Photonics Translational Research Medical Photonics (MEDPHOT) consortium, led by professor of Biophotonics Johannes de Boer of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has been awarded a 5.4 million euro grant from the NWO for the program "Light for a better view on diseases." This consortium will gather four Dutch Universities (VU Amsterdam, UvA, UU, TU Delft) well-recognized and established in the field of molecular imaging and the Dutch Applied Natural Science Research Organization, three academic dutch hospitals (Amsterdam UMC, UMC Groningen, Leiden UMC) and several international companies including Mauna Kea Technologies. The objective of this 5-year research program is to develop and validate new optical biomarkers that will enable earlier diagnosis, improved treatment and better quality of life. A total of 75 scientists will be working on this research program focusing on technological innovations and clinical assessment, involving a total budget of 18 million euros.
"Thanks to this program, we will assess new molecular imaging markers with probe and needle-based Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy that may allow physicians to make decisions with greater insight, precision and confidence, bringing healthcare one step closer to personalized care, in pulmonary diseases," said J. T. Annema, M.D. Ph.D., professor of Pulmonary Endoscopy, Amsterdam University Medical Center.
"Cellvizio is the only clinical system that provides the capability to image molecular markers at cellular level," said Robert L. Gershon, Chief Executive Officer of Mauna Kea Technologies. "The "Light for a better view on diseases" program will allow Mauna Kea to partner with leading academic research institutions in the field of molecular imaging to develop and validate the most advanced molecular imaging markers and, more importantly, to assess them in a clinical setting for pulmonarydiseases, such as lung cancer, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases."
"One of Mauna Kea strategic priorities for R&D investment has been in molecular imaging development that will enable quantitative and more accurate diagnosis, driving more personalized care and workflow efficiencies from diagnosis to treatment this makes us an ideal partner for this important research program. The foundation of superior molecular imaging technology that Mauna Kea has developed continues to be increasingly appreciated by researchers and clinicians across many disease states. Most recently, we have experienced a strong market response from potential customers and clinicians for the application of our Cellvizio technology in the area of interventional pulmonology. Our Cellvizio technology has demonstrated the ability to excite, and visualize, a wide variety of molecules which we believe positions us to be an important contributor in the effort to identify new optical biomarkers to improve diagnosis and treatment in the years to come."
About Mauna Kea Technologies
Mauna Kea Technologies is a global medical device company focused on eliminating uncertainties related to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other diseases thanks to real time in vivo microscopic visualization. The Company's flagship product, Cellvizio, has received clearance/approval for a wide range of applications in the United States and more than 40 countries around the World. For more information on Mauna Kea Technologies, visit www.maunakeatech.com
Disclaimer
This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning Mauna Kea Technologies and its activities. Such forward looking statements are based on assumptions that Mauna Kea Technologies considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the anticipated events contained in such forward-looking statements will occur. Forward- looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties including the risks set forth in the registration document of Mauna Kea Technologies registered by the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF)) on July 12, 2019 under number R.19-0683 and available on the Company's website (www.maunakeatech.com), and to the development of economic situation, financial markets, and the markets in which Mauna Kea Technologies operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are also subject to risks unknown to Mauna Kea Technologies or that Mauna Kea Technologies does not consider material at this time. The realization of all or part of these risks could lead to actual results, financial conditions, performances or achievements by Mauna Kea Technologies that differ significantly from the results, financial conditions, performances or achievements expressed in such forward-looking statements. This press release and the information it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or to subscribe for, or a solicitation of an order to purchase or subscribe for, Mauna Kea Technologies shares in any country.
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Alexia Faure
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