Current contrast agents

Technological improvements and the desire for increased information in clinical decision making has seen the development of hybrid imaging systems. These systems merge the benefits of multiple imaging modalities into a single unit allowing findings to be more conspicuous and clear and therefore provide greater diagnostic certainty. The emergence of hybrid imaging systems however, will require distinctive visualization under a combination of different imaging modalities creating the need for hybrid contrast agents.

Today, the PET/CT scan is a regularly used hybrid system. To fully realize the benefits offered by contrast-enhanced imaging, many present hybrid imaging protocols require the administration of two contrast agents; one for each component of the scan. As imaging systems further combine benefits of several modalities, the demand for hybrid agents is rapidly growing.

AION's hybrid contrast agent

AION's mpSi™ platform has been shown to be visible under a range of modalities, and therefore offers a solution to the drawbacks of traditional contrast agents. AION's hybrid contrast agent will offer enhanced visibility under combinations of key modalities (x-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound), tailored to the specific hybrid imaging system being used. AION's product will reduce the requirements for patients to consume a cocktail of contrast agents for numerous different imaging procedures.

Modified porous silicon's unique properties ensure that it biodegrades in the body to silicic acid, a naturally occurring, non toxic and essential element that is excreted by the kidneys. This rate of degradation can be adjusted to suit the procedure, producing an agent that can be altered to last minutes, or hours, depending on the requirements.