HS196

HS196 is a near-infrared (nIR) fluorescent probe designed to target Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90), a chaperone protein often overexpressed in aggressive cancers. Developed by researchers at Duke University, the probe consists of an HSP90-binding ligand conjugated to a near-infrared fluorophore. It is used as a diagnostic imaging agent to discriminate between indolent and aggressive prostate cancers by exploiting the high uptake of HSP90-targeted molecules in malignant epithelium and neuroendocrine cells. In clinical studies, HS196 has demonstrated the ability to identify malignant nodules in prostatectomy specimens following systemic administration.