FDA Approves Iron-Based Contrast Agent for Brain MRI

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ferabright™ (ferumoxytol injection), reportedly the first iron-based contrast agent for brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, for visualization of malignant neoplasms in adults.

One of the advantages with Ferabright is a long half-life, which facilitates flexibility with MRI protocols and reduces the need for multiple administrations of contrast, according to Azurity Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Ferabright.

With natural processing of the contrast agent through iron metabolism pathways, Azurity Pharmaceuticals said Ferabright reduces concerns about long-term contrast retention that have been issues with other contrast modalities.

Azurity Pharmaceuticals added that Ferabright can be safely employed in patients with renal insufficiency.

“Ferumoxytol expands our MRI toolkit and provides an option for patients who are either contraindicated for or decline gadolinium,” said Csanad Varallyay, M.D., Ph.D, a Portland, Ore.-based neuroradiologist.