Alliance begins Imagent phase III trials

Alliance Pharmaceutical has announced that phase III clinical trials have commenced on its Imagent ultrasound contrast agent. Imagent, formerly known as AF0150, will be investigated for its ability to aid in the evaluation of cardiac function as assessed by both ejection fraction and endocardial border definition.

In separate research, Imagent is also being targeted for improving the detection of blood-flow abnormalities and solid tumors in organs and glands such as the liver, kidney, breast, and prostate, according to the San Diego-based developer. The microbubble-based agent is under joint development by Alliance and Schering, which has exclusive marketing rights to Imagent (SCAN 8/20/97).

In other news, Alliance reported April 7 that it has received a patent for harmonic imaging with second-generation microbubble contrast agents. In addition to covering harmonic imaging with Imagent, the company claims that the patent also covers agents using any one of a number of fluorocarbon gases. Alliance said the patent was its second for harmonic imaging technology.