131439A theranostic approach for gastric cancerClosedFeasibility StudiesInnovate UKGastric cancer is a major unmet clinical need and a significant business opportunity. Treatment options are few and endoscopic investigation and treatment need advances to improve success rates and patient survival. PhotoBiotics Ltd, University College London's (UCL)-Chemistry and UCL's-National Medical Laser Centre are strengthening their partnership with the help of TSB feasibility grant funding in Photonics-based theranostics to develop a novel "see and treat" approach for gastric cancers. Using the fragment of a clinically-approved antibody together with a fluorescent dye that absorbs and emits in the infra-red region of the light spectrum and Photobiotics' leading soluble photosensitiser, this team aims to generate some preliminary proof-of-concept data for the feasibility of a combined fluorescence diagnosis and photodynamic therapy agent. The team aims to investigate the technical issues in conjugating multiple, different small molecule entities to an antibody fragment whilst retaining full antibody function and no cross-over interference between the two optically-active small molecules. If successful, this data will be used for future fund-raising to develop the idea further into a possible product for all parties to co-develop, leading to better treatment options for patients with gastric cancer.