Investigational Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging Agent

Surgical and medical treatments are two major treatment measures. Outcomes of surgical treatment, even in this age of innovation, can be affected by the complexity of the disease, the patient's situation, and the skill and experience of the surgeon. Therefore, novel innovation is required to make surgery safer, more precise, and more effective.
A new technique coming to the fore is the utilization of imaging technology to visualize the target area during surgery. This technology—also known as navigation surgery—is a combination technology that uses light-emitting compounds and light-detecting medical devices. To realize this advanced technology, device (mechanical-based) technology must work alongside pharma (biology-based) technology to develop light-emitting compounds, namely fluorescence imaging agent. 
Astellas is leveraging our experience as a pharmaceutical company to develop the new investigational fluorescence imaging agent, ASP5354. This image agent may enable easy, safe, and precise visualization of organs or tissues that are particularly difficult to identify during operations. This imaging technology also has the potential to be integrated with various digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and robotics to contribute to the realization of safer, next-generation surgery.

Investigational Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging Agent

 


Press Release

Astellas Receives U.S. FDA Fast Track Designation for ASP5354, an Investigational Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging Agent