Lantheus Medical Imaging (Lantheus), a diagnostic imaging firm, has launched Ablavar (gadofosveset trisodium). Its an injectable MRA imaging agent used to evaluate aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) in adults, with known or suspected peripheral vascular disease (PVD).
Ablavar is the contrast imaging agent approved in the US for use with a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) indication, to evaluate AIOD.
In phase 3 clinical studies, Ablavar demonstrated greater sensitivity (detecting disease when present) compared to non-contrast MRA2. These studies, which supported the FDA approval of Ablavar, showed that MRA images using Ablavar provided diagnostic accuracy comparable to conventional X-ray angiography,3,4 an invasive procedure (which involves insertion of a catheter into the arteries in the upper thigh (groin area) or arm5).
Kent Yucel, chairman of Radiology at Tufts Medical Center, said: “Ablavar may provide clinicians performing vascular imaging with more comprehensive, three-dimensional diagnostic information to improve patient treatment decisions and care. Ablavar, as the first FDA-approved contrast agent for an MRA indication, is a welcome addition to the currently available options for diagnosing AIOD in patients with known or suspected peripheral vascular disease.”
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a specific type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure, that provides pictures of blood vessels. MRA can show the blockage of the flow of blood to areas of the body such as the brain, kidneys and legs.