Lantheus Medical Imaging has acquired the balance of the worldwide rights for Ablavar (gadofosveset trisodium), an injectable magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) blood pool imaging agent, from Epix Pharmaceuticals. The strategic acquisition broadens Lantheus' diagnostic imaging product portfolio.
Lantheus already owns exclusive rights to Ablavar in the US, Canada and Australia in April 2009 and the product was launched in the US in January 2010. The compound was formerly marketed as Vasovist outside the US.
Ablavar is indicated for use in adults with known or suspected peripheral vascular disease to evaluate aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD).
The albumin-binding properties of Ablavar make it uniquely designed for vascular imaging allowing multiple images to be obtained using a single, low dose injection.
Ablavar is clinically proven to produce high resolution MRA images, combining both dynamic (first pass) and steady state imaging, resulting in diagnostic accuracy comparable to conventional X-ray angiography, the current standard of care for diagnosing vascular disease such as AIOD.
Don Kiepert, president and CEO of Lantheus Medical Imaging, said: “Obtaining the balance of the worldwide ownership of Ablavar is part of our strategy to broaden our portfolio of medically important diagnostic imaging products. Our goal is to make this novel blood pool imaging agent available to patients and physicians on an expanded basis.
“Securing global ownership of Ablavar positions us well for future growth and for possible strategic opportunities and partnerships for the product in new geographic areas.”