FluoroPharma nets 18F-FDG patent for imaging cardiovascular plaque

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued FluoroPharma, a developer of PET molecular imaging agents, a patent that covers imaging cardiovascular plaque formation using 18F-FDG in PET imaging.

The Boston-based company said its U.S. Patent No. 7,438,891, exclusively licensed from the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), has additional patent claims that cover imaging of atherosclerotic plaque inflammation and rupture.

“In vivo noninvasive clinical studies to measure carotid plaque inflammation show that 18F-FDG PET imaging can identify a subset of patients with carotid atherosclerosis that may benefit from intensified medical therapy or carotid artery intervention to prevent stroke,” said Tom Brady, director of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging division at MGH in Boston.

Around the web

Richard Heller III, MD, RSNA board member and senior VP of policy at Radiology Partners, offers an overview of policies in Congress that are directly impacting imaging.
 

The two companies aim to improve patient access to high-quality MRI scans by combining their artificial intelligence capabilities.

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services.