Optical imaging contrast agents

Abstract

The present invention provides compositions and methods for the selective identification of damaged sites in the gastrointestinal tract. More particularly, the compositions comprise a phosphated and / or sulfated saccharide, such as sucralfate, containing one or more optical molecules.

Description

Background of the invention [0001] The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for selectively identifying sites of disease or injury in the gastrointestinal tract. More particularly, the present invention relates to sulfated and / or phosphorylated sugars or physiologically acceptable salts thereof, more particularly to polysulfated and / or polyphosphorylated sugar metal salts, such as sucralfate, with at least An optical molecular marker or containing at least one optical molecule, and use of these optical molecule-containing sulfated and / or phosphorylated sugars for the identification of gastrointestinal ulcers. [0002] Diagnosis of gastric ulcers and lesions generally requires visualization of the stomach and GI tract. Specific issues with the companion diagnosis for ulcers and lesions include distinguishing inflamed or ulcerated areas of the gastrointestinal lining from non-ulcerated, healthy sites. Current diagnostic methods may not always identif...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0009] While many imaging reagents and methods are available for imaging and analyzing the gastrointestinal tract, there remains a need for imaging reagents and methods that provide rapid, accurate assessment without discomfort to the patient

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