A Diagnostics & Imaging Week

Neoprobe (Dublin, Ohio), a developer of oncology and cardiovascular surgical and diagnostic products, reported forming a new company, CIRA Biosciences (CIRA Bio), to develop patient-specific cellular therapies that have shown positive responses in clinical settings.

Neoprobe markets the neo2000 line of gamma detection systems used by cancer surgeons for intraoperative lymphatic mapping. It also is in the process of commercializing the Quantix line of blood flow measurement products, used by cardiovascular surgeons, neurosurgeons and critical care physicians, developed by its Cardiosonix subsidiary.

CIRA Bio will combine Neoprobe's Activated Cellular Therapy (ACT) technology for oncology treatment with similar technology licensed from CIRA LLC for treating viral (HIV/AIDS and hepatitis) and autoimmune diseases. Following assessment of the technology, CIRA Bio said it intends to raise capital to support re-activation of development activities.

With formation of CIRA Bio, Neoprobe owns about 90% of its outstanding shares, the remaining shares held by the principals of CIRA LLC. With CIRA Bio's formation, an amended technology license agreement also was executed with the Ohio State University Research Foundation (Columbus, Ohio) from which both Neoprobe and CIRA LLC originally licensed or optioned the various cellular therapy technologies.