Summary
- Profile Type
- Technology offer
- POD Reference
- TOTR20250614002
- Term of Validity
- 20 June 2025 - 20 June 2026
- Company's Country
- Turkey
- Type of partnership
- Investment agreement
- Commercial agreement with technical assistance
- Research and development cooperation agreement
- Targeted Countries
- All countries
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General information
- Short Summary
- A Turkish biotech company has developed a novel eco-friendly MRI contrast agent derived from natural plant pigments (betalains from beetroot) for theranostic (therapeutic + diagnostic) applications. It is biodegradable, non-toxic, and exhibits intrinsic antioxidant (and potential anticancer) properties, making it a unique dual-purpose agent. The inventors are seeking partners to co-develop, license, or invest in this technology to advance it through clinical validation and market introduction.
- Full Description
-
Although conventional GBCAs are effective, they contain heavy and rare metals such as gadolinium, which pose serious safety and environmental risks. These metals can accumulate in the human body and the environment, leading to risks such as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and brain tissue deposition. BBCA addresses these issues by using plant-derived betalain pigments as the active contrast agent. Betalains such as betanin and vulgaxanthin, extracted from Beta vulgaris (beetroot), are natural, non-toxic, water-soluble antioxidants that have long been used as food colorants. These pigments have been formulated into a biocompatible MRI contrast solution.
BBCA consists mainly of water-soluble betalain molecules, particularly betanin. In preclinical in vitro (cell cultures and tissue phantoms) and in vivo (animal models) studies, BBCA demonstrated strong (paramagnetic) signal enhancement in T1-weighted MRI images. When administered orally or rectally, it clearly visualized gastrointestinal structures such as the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, highlighting mucosal surface details. Due to its versatility, the formulation can be administered orally, rectally, intraperitoneally, or intravenously, allowing imaging of the digestive system as well as internal organs such as the liver and kidneys through systemic circulation.
In addition to its diagnostic function, BBCA also holds theranostic potential. Betalain pigments are known in the literature for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential anticancer effects. Therefore, BBCA not only enables imaging but may also offer therapeutic benefits by reducing oxidative stress or supporting cancer treatment. Its natural and safe structure makes it suitable for high-dose or repeated administration. Furthermore, because it is produced from food-grade beetroot using a simple extraction and formulation process, BBCA provides cost and environmental advantages compared to conventional gadolinium agents.
BBCA presents a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative for repeated MRI examinations, especially in areas such as abdominal imaging and oncology (e.g., tumor monitoring) where patient safety is a priority. While the development team continues to optimize dosage and imaging protocols, intellectual property rights have also been secured. The project is now at a stage where it is ready to be brought to market through strategic partnerships.
Development Stage
The BBCA program has successfully completed the preclinical stage. The prototype formulation has demonstrated safety in in vitro tests. In in vivo studies conducted on rats and rabbits, the formulation showed strong paramagnetic MRI contrast following oral, rectal, intraperitoneal, and intravenous administration, with no observed adverse effects.
Current priorities:
1. Optimization of oral and intravenous formulations
2. Scale-up of production under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
3. Completion of a GLP-compliant safety and toxicity testing package for regulatory submissions
As these steps progress, the project is now ready for strategic partners to support its transition into advanced preclinical studies, regulatory documentation, and Phase I clinical trials. - Advantages and Innovations
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• Heavy Metal-Free: Contains no gadolinium or other heavy metals, eliminating the risks of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and brain deposition. Uses GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) food colorants to ensure high biocompatibility.
• Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: Plant-derived (beetroot extract); renewable and environmentally safe production process. Generates no toxic waste compared to metal-based agents.
• Comparable Imaging Performance: T1-weighted (and in some cases T2) contrast performance is similar to that of conventional GBCAs. Enables clear visualization of target organs.
• Theranostic Feature: Provides therapeutic support in addition to diagnosis through its natural antioxidant and potential anticancer effects.
• Multiple Routes of Administration: Suitable for oral and rectal administration, especially for GI imaging; also compatible with intravenous systemic use.
• Biodegradable and Excretable: Composed of natural metabolites, it is excreted through urine or bile without leaving residues in the body.
• Low-Cost Production: Offers significant cost advantages through inexpensive raw materials (beetroot) and a simple, scalable production process. - Technical Specification or Expertise Sought
-
Biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical imaging companies, especially MRI contrast agent manufacturers, radiology departments, theranostic product developers, academic medical centers and organizations focused on sustainable health solutions.
The partners are expected to work closely with the developer to ensure FDA/EMA compliance, clinical validation and proof of safety for human applications. The ultimate goal is to translate this innovative and environmentally friendly technology into a safe, effective and accessible product for patients and healthcare systems. - Stage of Development
- Lab tested
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- Goal 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal
- IPR status
- IPR granted
- IPR notes
- An international PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) application has been filed for the composition and use of BBCA.The patent covers the formulation, production process, and method of MRI imaging using BBCA. The invention is registered in Turkey, and national phase entries have been initiated in key markets such as Europe (EPO), the United States, and China.
Partner Sought
- Expected Role of a Partner
-
Turkish Company is looking for desired partners interested with;
Commercial License Agreement + Technical Support: A pharmaceutical or imaging company to license the BBCA technology and bring it to market. Universal Symphony Health Garden will provide technical support in technology transfer, training, manufacturing and regulatory processes.
- R&D Collaboration: Partnership in clinical trials, formulation improvement and publicly funded projects. Joint technical development and co-ownership of results is possible.
- Investment Partnership: Seeks investors to provide the necessary financing for the regulatory process, production and global commercialization. In return, shares or commercial rights can be granted. - Type and Size of Partner
- Other
- Big company
- R&D Institution
- Type of partnership
- Investment agreement
- Commercial agreement with technical assistance
- Research and development cooperation agreement
Dissemination
- Technology keywords
- 06001005 - Diagnostics, Diagnosis
- 06001013 - Medical Technology / Biomedical Engineering
- Market keywords
- 05002004 - Nuclear imaging
- 05007007 - Other medical/health related (not elsewhere classified)
- Sector Groups Involved
- Health
- Energy-Intensive Industries - Materials
- Targeted countries
- All countries