Epix Medical submits MS-325 contrast agent to FDA

Epix Medical Inc. has taken another step on the path to the possibility of FDA clearance for its MS-325 contrast agent for vascular imaging with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).

 The company this week submitted its new drug application (NDA) to the FDA for MS-325, which is co-developed by Epix and Schering AG. Epix is the first company to seek marketing approval in any country for a new class of imaging agents designed to expand the clinical use of MRI.

 MS-325 NDA has been under development for eight years. During that time, Epix has conducted 18 clinical trials, involving 1,438 subjects who received MS-325.

 Epix President and CEO Michael D. Webb said MS-325-enhanced-MRA "will provide a valuable alternative to x-ray angiography. In addition, there are a significant number of people with vascular disease who, for medical or other reasons, are unlikely to undergo an x-ray angiogram, and who might benefit from a minimally-invasive MRA exam using MS-325."

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