FDA greenlights PET imaging agent for breast cancer

The Food and Drug Administration has approved its first F-18 PET imaging agent specifically for use in patients with recurrent or metastatic breast cancer, according to a May 27 announcement.

Malvern, Pennsylvania-based PETNET Solutions—a subsidiary of Siemens Healthineers—and New York-based Zionexa, said that their Cerianna injection agent should serve as an adjunct to biopsy in patients with estrogen receptor-positive lesions.

“PETNET Solutions, Inc. is proud to work with Zionexa USA as the exclusive U.S. commercial supplier making Cerianna (fluoroestradiol F-18) accessible to imaging centers and their breast cancer patients,” Barry Scott, head of PETNET Solutions said in a statement. “Our extensive network of radiopharmacies enables us to increase access to cutting-edge radiotracers such as Cerianna, helping healthcare facilities address the challenge of recurrent and metastatic breast cancer.”

The companies said their radiopharmaceutical will be commercially available later this year or early next year through PETNET Solutions.

“Cerianna will provide clinicians with additional, previously unavailable data on the estrogen receptor status of tumors across the patient’s entire body, providing additional data to enhance therapeutic decision-making,” CEO of Zionexa USA, Peter Webner, added.

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Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.

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