Sonus announces stock offering

Ultrasound contrast agent developer Sonus Pharmaceutical lastweek announced its plan to become a public company.

The Bothell, WA, firm filed with the Securities and ExchangeCommission for an initial public offering of up to 2.5 millioncommon shares. Proceeds from the offering, to be made at $10 to$12 a share, will support ongoing R&D activities.

Sonus has completed phase II clinical testing of EchoGen, amicrobubble ultrasound contrast agent potentially useful in echocardiographyand perfusion procedures. It plans to file a new drug applicationwith the Food and Drug Administration by April 1, 1996.