VGT-309 Phase 2: Visualizing Lung Tumors in Surgery

A clinical-stage biotechnology firm, Vergent Bioscience, has introduced new data from their ongoing research into tumor-targeted imaging agents. The company's focus is on developing VGT-309, a fluorescent imaging agent that has shown potential in visualizing lung cancer tissues during surgical procedures.

The latest findings, presented at the 60th Annual Meeting of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, indicate that VGT-309 can help in the real-time identification of primary and metastatic tumors in the lungs. This advancement is crucial for minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgeries, where the precise location and removal of all tumor tissues are paramount.

John Santini, the president and CEO of Vergent Bioscience, highlighted the significance of the data, suggesting that VGT-309 could enhance the reliability of cancer removal in the lungs during minimally invasive and robotic procedures. The company anticipates further insights from their ongoing Phase 2 multi-center VISUALIZE study, which will delve deeper into the impact of VGT-309 for cancer patients and surgeons.

In the Phase 2 efficacy study involving 40 patients, VGT-309 was administered intravenously prior to surgery. The use of a near-infrared (NIR) endoscope revealed the presence of tumor tissues that were not detected by standard surgical methods. The study showed that 42.5% of the participants experienced at least one clinically significant event, such as the identification of previously undetected lesions or cancers.

VGT-309 was found to be safe and well-tolerated, with no infusion reactions or serious adverse events related to the drug. The agent visualized various types of tumors, including adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, among others.

Sunil Singhal, the lead investigator and a thoracic surgery expert, emphasized the challenges faced by surgeons in visualizing and removing all tumor tissues during minimally invasive surgeries. The data from the VGT-309 study is promising and suggests that the agent could fill a critical gap in current surgical practices.

VGT-309 is a tumor-targeted imaging agent that binds to cathepsins, proteases overexpressed in many solid tumors. The agent uses the NIR dye indocyanine green (ICG), which is compatible with existing NIR intraoperative imaging systems and is favored for its ability to minimize background autofluorescence.

Vergent Bioscience is a privately held company based in Minneapolis, MN, with a subsidiary in Australia. The company is dedicated to improving the visibility of tumors during surgeries, starting with lung cancer and potentially expanding to other solid tumors. The clinical trial was supported by the National Cancer Institute and is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT05400226.

The company's mission is to help surgeons maximize the benefits of minimally invasive and robotic surgery by enhancing the visibility of tumors, ensuring that all cancerous tissues are effectively removed.