Apop Imaging

Apop Biosciences Pty Ltd, operating as Apop Imaging, is an Australian biotechnology firm established in October 2016. The company was founded by medical researcher Assoc/Prof Peter Wookey, building upon decades of his research into the calcitonin receptor's role as a disease marker. The name 'Apop' is derived from apoptosis, a primary form of programmed cell death (PCD). In 2018, the company secured a seed funding round led by Geelong and Melbourne Angels and also received a CSIRO Kick-start grant to optimize product manufacturing.

The company's core business revolves around its proprietary CalRexin® technology, a unique monoclonal antibody that targets the human calcitonin receptor (CTR). Apop Imaging discovered that the accumulation of CTR on a cell's surface is linked to cell stress and programmed death mechanisms like apoptosis and autophagy. This technology serves the biomedical research market by providing tools to investigate diseases associated with the dysregulation of these cellular pathways, such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular diseases. The business model focuses on selling these advanced imaging reagents to researchers and industry clients for drug discovery and development, with all products currently designated for Research Use Only (RUO).

Apop Imaging's primary products are imaging reagents, which are conjugates of their proprietary antibody and various fluorophores. These reagents, such as CalRexin™:pHrodo™ Red, are designed for use with standard imaging platforms like confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. They enable real-time detection and monitoring of autophagy and apoptosis in live cells, offering high-fidelity data without the issue of false positives seen in some alternatives. The technology provides clear images of cellular processes, helping researchers screen for autophagy-modulating compounds. Beyond research reagents, Apop Imaging is actively developing CalRexin® for future diagnostic and therapeutic applications, including as a delivery vehicle for antibody-drug conjugates to treat cancers like Glioblastoma Multiforme and for use in PET scans.

Keywords: Apop Biosciences, CalRexin, cell stress detection, programmed cell death, apoptosis, autophagy, calcitonin receptor, imaging reagents, monoclonal antibody, biomedical research, drug discovery, live-cell imaging, neurodegeneration research, cancer research, fluorophore conjugates, Peter Wookey, antibody-drug conjugates, PET scan diagnostics, cell analysis tools, biotechnology