Epix Medical gets public support

MRI contrast agent developer Epix Medical successfully launchedan initial public offering on Jan. 30, netting $13 million fromthe sale of 2 million shares. Initially offered at $7, the stockclosed at $8.75 on Feb. 12.

The Cambridge, MA-based company's main product is MS-325, an MRIcontrast agent designed for the diagnosis of vascular diseases,including coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease(SCAN 12/18/96). Epix, formerly known as Metasyn, has formed strategicalliances to develop and commercialize MS-325 with contrast agentproducers Mallinckrodt and Daiichi.