MBI’s Oralex finishes phase II trials

Ultrasound contrast agent developer Molecular Biosystems has completed phase II clinical trials of its Oralex oral ultrasound contrast agent, which is targeted for the improvement of abdominal ultrasound images. Preliminary data evaluation of the 59-patient study found that Oralex provided significant diagnostic utility when compared with noncontrast and water-contrast imaging, according to MBI.

Oralex works by distending the stomach and displacing bowel gas to provide physicians with a better view of the upper gastrointestinal anatomy, including the stomach wall and pancreas. The San Diego-based firm believes that Oralex provides significant benefit over the current method of improving ultrasound images, which involves ingestion of water.