Optical Molecular Probes, Imaging and Drug Delivery (OMP)

Detection and localization of molecular processes that occur at low concentrations in vivo require the development of highly sensitive imaging methods and smart molecular probes. In addition to selective tissue uptake of the molecular probes, the importance of generating adequate contrast between a target and the surrounding tissue is indispensable for accurate diagnosis of diseases as well as monitoring of drug delivery and treatment response. This topical meeting will highlight recent advances in this rapidly evolving area of research with a goal of stimulating new ideas toward clinical translation. Areas to be covered include, but are not limited to, novel molecular probe design, applications of smart molecular probes in basic and applied research, multimodal imaging agents, advances in instrumentation and algorithms for optical molecular imaging, molecular and functional imaging of normal and diseased tissue, image -guided drug delivery, and monitoring therapeutic response. Broad participation by experts, postdoctoral fellows, and students is encouraged. 2013 will be the 2nd meeting for OMP. For the first meeting in 2011 OMP featured 41 presentations, including 14 invited talks. Attendees came from 9 different countries.