Siemens, Epix, and Mallinckrodt join forces

Siemens Medical Systems, Epix Medical, and Mallinckrodt are teaming up to develop contrast-based cardiovascular MR imaging technologies to improve the diagnosis of atherosclerosis and related diseases. The collaboration will combine Epix and Mallinckrodt’s AngioMark intravascular MRI contrast agent with advanced imaging and 3-D visualization technologies to create enhanced MRI scanning protocols and imaging methods, according to the firms.

AngioMark is currently in a phase III clinical trial to determine the efficacy of the agent in detecting aortoiliac occlusive disease in patients with known or suspected peripheral vascular disease or abdominal aortic aneurysm. The trial is designed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of AngioMark-enhanced MR angiography with x-ray angiography.

The nonexclusive collaboration between Siemens of Iselin, NJ, Cambridge, MA-based Epix, and Mallinckrodt of St. Louis will also focus on expanding the use of MRI in diagnosing cardiovascular disease and providing new tools to improve 3-D visualization of the cardiovascular system. Research and development will take place at both Siemens and Epix.