E-Z-EM to access new contrast technology

X-ray contrast firm E-Z-EM hopes to develop new imaging agentsbased on microsphere technology it has licensed from InteractiveMedical Technologies. E-Z-EM, of Westbury, NY, has an option onan exclusive license for all applications of the technology, includingultrasound detection of pulmonary embolism and myocardial ischemia.The agreement also includes global sales and marketing of productsbased on the technology.

Interactive Medical Technologies has developed albumin-basedmicrospheres, which can be manufactured in sizes as small as onemicron. Under the terms of the agreement, E-Z-EM will begin preclinicalsafety testing of the microspheres at Dartmouth Medical Schoolin Hanover, NH, and the company will also analyze the regulatorycosts for conducting additional clinical trials.

"E-Z-EM is especially interested in this unique technologyas it could relate to various imaging applications in our targetmarkets," said E-Z-EM president and CEO Daniel Martin. "Contrastmicrospheres could have applications in enhancing the measurementof blood flow by ultrasound."

In other E-Z-EM news, the company in February introduced anew barium sulfate contrast agent for CT exams of the abdomenand pelvis. The new product will be marketed as E-Z-CAT Dry.