Merck plans evaluation of spin-signal MR

GE Healthcare's gas-based MRI imaging strategy may find a home, if tests of the technology by Merck pan out. The pharmaceutical company plans to audition GE's Spin Signal Technology (SST) utilizing hyperpolarized xenon 129 gas for use in assessing its experimental respiratory treatments.

GE Healthcare has granted Merck access to the technology and its novel molecular imaging agent, which allows quantitative MR imaging of the lungs. Merck will assess whether SST is more sensitive than currently available tests used to gauge the function of diseased lungs.GE Healthcare has been looking for viable commercial applications for the technology since acquiring the rights following its merger with Amersham in 2004.