MBI’s Optison approved in Europe

Ultrasound contrast agent Optison from Molecular Biosystems has been approved in Europe, according to San Diego-based MBI and its marketing partner, Mallinckrodt of St. Louis. Mallinckrodt now has rights to sell the agent in the 15 countries of the European Union, with sales to begin first in Germany, Austria, and the U.K.

MBI this month also announced financial results for the fourth quarter (end-March) that showed the impact of Optison sales in the U.S., which began in January (SCAN 1/14/98). MBI’s Optison sales to Mallinckrodt totaled $700,000, exceeding the company’s expectations. MBI’s total revenues for the period were $2 million, compared with sales of $1.5 million in the fourth quarter of 1996. MBI had a net loss of $5.9 million in the most recent period, compared with a net loss of $4.3 million in the fourth quarter of 1996.