EP-HMRG

EP-HMRG (GCP-002) is an orally administered small molecule fluorescent imaging agent developed by GORYO Chemical for the intraoperative detection of cancerous tissues. It serves as a diagnostic probe that is selectively activated by enzymes overexpressed in tumor cells, primarily **γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT)**. The molecule is a derivative of Hydroxymethyl Rhodamine Green (HMRG) and is designed to be non-fluorescent in its prodrug form. Upon enzymatic cleavage by GGT within the tumor microenvironment, the probe releases the highly fluorescent HMRG fluorophore. This 'turn-on' mechanism allows for real-time visualization of tumor margins and micro-disseminated cancer cells during surgical procedures, providing high contrast between malignant and healthy tissues.