A synthesized imaging agent, derived from scorpion venom, has shown promising results in a clinical trial to help researchers image brain tumors. Scientists from Cedars-Sinai published their findings in the journal Neurosurgery. Near-infrared imaging was combined with tozuleristide, an imaging agent, which had been synthesized by Blaze Bioscience. Tozuleristide contains a synthesized amino acid compound derived from scorpion venom. This compound is bound to a fluorescent dye that illuminates via near-infrared laser.
When it comes to aggressive cancers of the brain, removal is paramount to survival. Unfortunately, in such regions of the body where removal of any healthy piece of tissue could have serious consequences, surgeons must be as precise as possible with tumor extraction without compromising the patient. This application will hopefully offer neurosurgeons a more precise means of detection between tumors and healthy tissue, increasing the success of both cancer removal procedures and patient safety outcomes.