Mallinckrodt licenses Metasyn MRI agent

MRI contrast-agent developer Metasyn of Cambridge, MA, has landeda product development and licensing deal with Mallinckrodt Medicalof St. Louis for Metasyn's MS-325 gadolinium-based agent for MRangiography of coronary and peripheral arteries. The deal alsoincludes other MRI vascular agents that may be developed by thecompanies.

Metasyn is beginning phase I clinical trials for MS-325, whichit hopes will replace other modalities, such as x-ray angiography,in cardiac assessment studies (SCAN 7/31/96). Mallinckrodt willmake an up-front $6 million licensing fee as part of the deal.

Mallinckrodt gains sales and marketing rights for MS-325 inall parts of the world except Japan. Metasyn granted licensingrights in that nation to Daiichi Pharmaceutical in April.