Imaging Probes and Contrast Agents – IPCA
The Imaging Probes and Contrast Agents [IPCA] study section reviews proposals to develop novel contrast agents of all sorts. Studies typically involve the evaluation of new agents with an emphasis on steps such as synthesis, identification of lead candidates, tracer characterization, safety, dosing, and validation preclinically and clinically. First in human studies will be reviewed here if the primary emphasis of the proposal is on the validating the steps of tracer, probe, or contrast agent development.
The List of Reviewers lists all present, whether standing members or temporary, to provide the full scope of expertise present on that date. Lists are posted 30 days before the meeting and are tentative, pending any last minute changes.
Review Dates
Topics
- Radiopharmaceutical agents (PET, SPECT, etc)
- MRI contrast agents
- Optical probes
- Ultrasound contrast and other blood pool agents
- Cross-modal and multi-modal contrast agents
- Nanoparticles as imaging probes or contrast agents
- Biologically-engineered contrast agents
- Identification of biomarkers leading to new imaging agents
- ‘Omics approaches to the identification of biological targets to be exploited by imaging agents
- First in human studies of tracers, probes, or contrast agents
Shared Interests and Overlaps
Clinical Translational Imaging Science [CTIS] may review tracer and contrast agent applications when the agent is advanced to the point of human clinical trials. Non-clinical trial human studies may be reviewed in either CTIS or IPCA.
There are shared interests in development of probes, tracers, or contrast agents for use in the nervous system or in neurological disease with Imaging Technology for Neuroscience (ITN). Applications that emphasize proposing first in human studies for central nervous system targets, or translational applications of new tracers and contrast agents for neuroscience and neurological use are reviewed in ITN. Applications that emphasize the early steps such as synthesis, candidate identification, tracer characterization, safety, dosing, and preclinical validation are reviewed in IPCA.
Imaging Guided Interventions and Surgery [IGIS] also reviews applications proposing development of probes, tracers, or contrast agents. When the agent is proposed for purposes of actively guiding a therapeutic intervention, the work is likely to be reviewed in IGIS. Proposals for development of agents with more general application are usually reviewed in IPCA. Development of probes or tracers for diagnosis or for use in basic biological research will be reviewed in IPCA.
Cellular and Molecular Technologies [CMT] in the synthesis of probes for the study of cellular and molecular processes. Grant applications that focus on the development of probes for whole animal or clinical imaging may be assigned to IPCA. Applications that focus on development of probes for cell-level investigations, including NMR detectable probes, may be assigned to CMT.
There are shared interests with Enabling Bioanalytical and Imaging Technologies Study Section [EBIT] in the chemical synthesis of probes for use with bioanalytical or biophysical technologies. Grant applications that focus on synthesis, development, biodistribution, and pharmacokinetics of imaging agents for a translational or clinical application may be assigned to IPCA. Applications that focus on bioanalytical techniques, biophysical techniques, or software development/application may be assigned to EBIT.
