A Preclinical Study of a Novel Dual-Modality Contrast Agent in Rodent Models

Xuelai Zhou ¹ Kangli Jiang ¹ Yuxin Han ^1* Shuxu Yang ^2*

• ¹ Zhejiang Poly Pharm. Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, China
• ² Department of Nephrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and prevalent primary malignant brain tumor in adults, with surgery being the main treatment. To improve surgical outcomes and extend patient survival, PL002 was developed as a dual-modality MRI/fluorescence imaging (FI) contrast agent. Preclinical studies in rodent models were conducted to assess its potential for clinical use. PL002, containing gadolinium (Gd³⁺) and indocyanine green (ICG), demonstrated high biocompatibility in L-O2, HEK293, and U-87 MG cells. In U-87 MG intracranial glioma mouse and healthy rat models, PL002 showed good in vivo imaging efficacy within a dosage range of 10-50 mg/kg, with a half-life of 2.51-4.87 hours. It primarily accumulated in organs with rich blood supply but maintained stable imaging effects in the brain for up to 72 hours. No abnormalities were observed in rats at a dosage of 100 mg/kg. Compared to Gadavist® and ICG, PL002 provided sustained support for MRI and FI of GBM for 72 hours, with a broad therapeutic window. This makes PL002 highly promising for preoperative assessment, intraoperative guidance, and postoperative verification of resection margins.