Molecular Imaging

Molecular imaging (also called nuclear medicine or nuclear imaging) can image the function of cells inside the body at the molecular level. This includes the imaging modalities of positron emission computed tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. How does PET and SPECT imaging work? Small amounts of radioactive material (radiopharmaceuticals) injected into a patient. These can use sugars or chemical traits to bond to specific cells. The radioactive material is taken up by cells that consume the sugars. The radiation emitted from inside the body is detected by photon detectors outside the body. Computers take the data to assemble images of the radiation emissions. Nuclear images may appear fuzzy or ghostly rather than the sharper resolution from MRI and CT.  But, it provides metabolic information at a cellular level, showing if there are defects in the function of the heart, areas of very high metabolic activity associated with cancer cells, or areas of inflammation, data not available from other modalities. These noninvasive imaging exams are used to diagnose cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, bone disorders and other disorders. 

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Molecular imaging firms teaming up on $8.9M whole-body PET/CT project

GE Healthcare and AI specialist Quibim are two big players signed up to develop the prototype, which is expected to be finished by 2023.

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Imaging agent targets iron-rich cancer cells, with potential far beyond oncology

The radiotracer 18F-TRX accurately determines which tumors are most likely to respond to targeted therapy, nuclear medicine researchers reported.

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CMS launches coverage determination for beta-amyloid PET scans following Alzheimer’s drug approval

Multiple imaging advocates, notably SNMMI, have been calling on the federal agency to update its policies and require amyloid results prior to starting treatment with Aduhelm.

FDA calls for investigation into Alzheimer’s drug; imaging group maintains amyloid PET is key

The Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging says such scans are key for diagnosing the disease and will be monitoring the administration's findings.

FDA changes course, limiting suggested uses for groundbreaking Alzheimer’s drug

The agency now recommends Aduhelm only for patients in the early stages of the disease, more closely aligning with the population tested during clinical trials.

Doctors warn against off-label use of aducanumab amid adverse amyloid imaging findings

Leading experts say there is no clinical evidence the controversial drug can help patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy, a condition similar to Alzheimer's disease.

Shine completes $150M financing round to advance medical isotope production capabilities

Koch Disruptive Technologies led this series C-5 effort, with others including Fidelity Management & Research Company and Baillie Gifford also chipping in.

Medical isotope specialist NorthStar announces new executive hire

Frank Scholz, PhD, will oversee the Beloit, Wisconsin, firm's Mo-99 expansion efforts and new radioisotope development programs, among other duties.

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