NanoMersion makes the impossible possible with 2DG-MNP: the new nanotechnology that illuminates cancerous tissues on MRI scans.

Current MRI technology can show images of various tissues, such as organs, and other structures but often cannot distinguish cancerous growths from healthy tissues. The only non-MRI technology that distinguishes cancers is harmful and expensive.

Each year, there are 1.7 million new cases of cancer in the US. These people could be friends, family, or even you, and most of the time, the only thing that can save these lives is the early detection of these cancers.

MRI scans image with or without contrast agents, which are intended to distinguish between different tissues including cancerous ones. Unfortunately, current MRI contrast agents are limited in their ability to detect tumors throughout the body.

Because of this fact, many people are forced to turn to non-MRI but potentially hazardous and more expensive methods such as radioactive PET scans when looking for cancerous tissues.

The world needs a new way to identify cancers earlier, less expensively, with wider availability and accessibility. NanoMersion has created innovative MRI contrast agents that are smarter, safer, and more effective than what is currently available on the market.

NanoMersion is the new platform for smart MRI contrast agents. This means we provide more information about specific diseases, like cancer, with each MRI scan. Our first product, 2DG-MNP, targets tumors and allows MRI scans to effectively image and identify cancerous growth.

We're all about:

Every element of our technology is safer and more effective than previous methods. Our non-toxic, non-radioactive nanotechnology opens the door to safe diagnostics for everyone including children and women of childbearing age.

NanoMersion provides more effective technology than PET scans or traditional MRI scans, because we are able to combine information about a tumor with excellent anatomical resolution.

Our technology is versatile. In addition to cancer, it can be used for the early detection of many other diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy. We also reveal the untapped power of MRI to make it a useful tool to track the progression of various diseases.

With our safe and effective technology, NanoMersion is positioned to become the standard of care in the detection of all diseased tissue.

NanoMersion relies on complex technologies to help detect cancer earlier and easier than ever before.

Our technology is able to cross the Blood Brain Barrier and Blood Tissue Barrier, two very selective barriers. No other available MRI contrast agent is able to pass these barriers. Because our technology can pass through these barriers, we are able to image many cancers for the first time with MRI.

Our magnetonanoparticle (MNP) is a nanotechnology that targets cancers and many other diseased tissues. MNP is made up of well-known components such as iron and sugars called dextran and 2-deoxy glucose (2DG), which is very similar to glucose or a simple sugar. All these components are as safe as taking vitamins. MNP is injected intravenously into patients about 20 minutes before the MRI.

Since many cancer cells have higher energy requirements than healthy cells and MNP is comprised of sugar, a source of energy, the cancer cells will take up the MNP more than healthy cells. Because of this increased concentration of MNP in cancer cells, they display a different color than surrounding healthy cells on MRI and thus become visible compared to their image before contrast.

All this appears just 20 minutes after the injection, and there is a 24-hour window for repeat scans. Since our technology is not radioactive, MNP can be stored safely for longer periods of time and used when needed. The lack of radioactivity also makes it possible to repeat the scans if necessary.

We’ve created a fast-acting and long-lasting technology that utilizes the true potential of an MRI scan, helping people to get effective and more affordable results from their scans.

NanoMersion has already had incredible success with the testing and introduction of 2DG-MNP.

Initial preclinical testing has shown our product to be safe and effective in cancer imaging with MRI.

We have secured numerous patents that protect the intellectual property of our technologies both in the US and internationally.

We’ve benefited from nearly $4 million in non-diluted funding to help get 2DG-MNP to this stage. We’ve engaged with several major pharmaceutical companies, including GE and Eli Lilly.

Since our product has so many applications, we have already begun testing our contrast agent for the detection of neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson’s disease. In oncology we have tested our technology products on brain, lung and colon cancer and continue to expand these applications through additional testing.

We aim to be the go-to technology for disease detection, but we need some help from you first!

For more information about the future of NanoMersion and how you could be a part of it, please request access to the Business Plan page of this profile.

An Associate Professor of Medicine at Semel Institutes of Neuroscience and Behavior at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Dr. Akhtari has published more than 40 peer-reviewed articles, has received several grants and awards as principal investigator, and has held significant scientific positions at a variety of institutions, including UCLA School of Medicine and Los Alamos National Laboratory.

With more than 25 years of management experience and executive experience overseeing multi-million dollar projects, Kevin has been an integral part of 4 other start-up companies and understands what it takes to make a successful business. His entrepreneurial, communication and leadership capabilities bring collective focus on precise planning and effective implementation of complex projects.

Dr. Tolstrup is the Professor of Medicine at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and the Medical Director of the Heart Station and Echo Laboratory. As a specialist in transthoracic and transesophageal cardiac ultrasound, she has extensive experience with the limitations of current medical imaging technology and has conducted several research studies investigating new non-invasive image generation and enhancement.

With degrees in art and design from Otis College of Art and a Master’s in art and design from Claremont Graduate University, Jonna is an accomplished artist with experience managing business public relations and marketing. She has design experience, business background, and has provided business communications for a variety of organizations.

Dr. Edwards is the Vice President and General Manager of Imaging at SciFluor Life Sciences. He has extensive background in imaging agent research, development and commercialization with a focus on PET radiopharmaceuticals.  He has served as VP of Research and Development for Lantheus Medical Imaging and has held a leadership position at DuPont Medical Imaging and Bristol-Myers Squibb Medical Imaging.

A board certified and internationally recognized neuroradiologist, Dr. Enzmann is the Chair of the Radiological Sciences Department at the UCLA Medical Center. As a researcher, he has advanced the concept of “radiogenomics,” and he strives to advance the study and application of new imaging technology through his clinical practice, research, and lecturing.

Dr. Kreuter is an internationally recognized expert in drug targeting and nanoparticles, including how nanoparticles can facilitate drug transport across the Blood Brain Barrier. In his distinguished academic career, he has authored more than 300 publications, received numerous honors, and currently works full time as a Professor of Pharmaceutical Technology at the Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University in Frankfurt.