Sonus to start EchoGen phase-two studies

Sonus Pharmaceuticalsof Bothell, WA, said this month that it has received Food andDrug Administration clearance to start simultaneous phase-twoclinical trials for radiology and cardiology applications of itsEchoGen ultrasound contrast agent. EchoGen is an injectable emulsionthat transforms into echogenic microbubbles on entering the bloodstream(SCAN 5/4/94).

The cardiology trial will examine the efficacy of EchoGen toimprove the echocardiographic detection of cardiac dysfunctionin patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. Theradiology trial will investigate the use of EchoGen in the diagnosisof peripheral vascular disease and the detection of lesions inabnormal organs.