GE Healthcare, a pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturer, has expanded its range of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast media products with the launch of macrocyclic agent Clariscan (gadoteric acid) in Europe.
Developed to support effective visualisation of abnormalities in the brain, spine and associated tissues, Clariscan is a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA).
According to GE Healthcare Life Sciences core imaging general manager Emmanuel Ligner, gadolinium-based agents are an important detection tool in MRI as they provide improved contrast between normal and pathological tissue for rapid detection of abnormalities.
Ligner added: “We are therefore pleased to add Clariscan to the family of GE contrast media and imaging products alongside our existing linear agent for MRI, Omniscan, which has been used in routine diagnostic practice for over 25 years with over 80 million administrations.
"We believe macrocyclic Clariscan, manufactured using a proprietary GE process, extends choice for radiology professionals, backed by the well-established quality, reliability and surrounding services GE customers have come to expect.”
Available as a suite of doses in vials and pre-filled syringes, Clariscan extends GE Healthcare's products and services across MRI, X-ray / CT and ultrasound segments.
GE contrast media products are reported to be used in more than 70 million procedures per year.
To enhance its manufacturing capacity, the firm has invested more than $65m in its supply network between 2013 and 2016.
Approved using the decentralised procedure and with marketing authorisation obtained in Norway, the firm intends to launch Clariscan across the countries in Europe throughout this year.
