Phase 2 study explores imaging approach for interstitial lung disease
pharmafile | June 5, 2026 | News story | Research and Development | interstitial lung disease
Serac Healthcare has presented phase 2 data suggesting its investigational imaging agent, 99mTc-maraciclatide, may help distinguish active inflammation from fibrosis in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD).
The findings were presented at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging annual meeting in Los Angeles and addressed a longstanding challenge in ILD management; there is currently no reliable non-invasive method for identifying active inflammation within the lungs.
ILD encompasses a range of conditions characterised by varying levels of inflammation and fibrosis. Differentiating between these processes is important because they can have different prognoses and treatment requirements.
The phase 2 substudy formed part of the PREDICT-ILD trial being conducted by researchers at the University of Exeter. Investigators assessed the imaging agent in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (fHP) alongside healthy controls.
Results showed distinct lung uptake patterns in both patient groups compared with healthy volunteers. Uptake was most pronounced in patients with fHP, a condition where inflammation commonly co-exists with fibrosis.
99mTc-maraciclatide is a radiotracer that binds to αvβ3 integrin, a marker associated with angiogenesis and inflammatory processes. The agent has previously been investigated in conditions including endometriosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Dr Druin Burch, Scientific Director of Serac Healthcare, said: “If these results are replicated in a larger study, maraciclatide has the potential to have an immediate impact on clinical outcomes.”
The company said the technology could potentially support treatment selection, disease monitoring and earlier identification of ILD in patients at risk of developing the condition.
Analysis of the phase 2 data is continuing with phase 3 studies planned. Maraciclatide remains an investigational product as to date it has not been approved by either UK, European or US regulators.
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