Abstract: Peptides and peptide-targeted multimeric contrast agents are described, as well as methods of making and using the contrast agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to contrast agents for diagnostic imaging with prolonged blood retention. In particular, this invention relates to novel compounds that are characterized by an image enhancing moiety (IEM); a protein plasma binding moiety (PPBM); and a blood half-life extending moiety (BHEM). This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and to methods of using the compounds and compositions for blood half-life extension and contrast enhancement of diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to contrast agents for diagnostic imaging with prolonged blood retention. In particular, this invention relates to novel compounds that are characterized by an image enhancing moiety (IEM); a protein plasma binding moiety (PPBM); and a blood half-life extending moiety (BHEM). This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and to methods of using the compounds and compositions for blood half-life extension and contrast enhancement of diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved diagnostic agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and optical imaging. In particular, this invention relates to MRI and optical imaging agents that allow for the sensitive detection of a specific bioactivity within a tissue. These agents are prodrug contrast agents which are bioactivated in vivo in the presence of the specific bioactivity. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these agents and to methods of using the agents and compositions comprising the agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved diagnostic agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and optical imaging. In particular, this invention relates to MRI and optical imaging agents that allow for the sensitive detection of a specific bloactivity within a tissue. These agents are prodrug contrast agents which are bioactivated in vivo in the presence of the specific bioactivity. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these agents and to methods of using the agents and compositions comprising the agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to contrast agents for diagnostic imaging with prolonged blood retention. In particular, this invention relates to novel compounds that are characterized by an image enhancing moiety (IEM); a protein plasma binding moiety (PPBM); and a blood half-life extending moiety (BHEM). This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and to methods of using the compounds and compositions for blood half-life extension and contrast enhancement of diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to contrast agents for diagnostic imaging. In particular, this invention relates to novel multimeric compounds which exhibit improved relaxivity properties upon binding to endogenous proteins or other physiologically relevant sites.

Abstract: The present invention relates to contrast agents for diagnostic imaging. In particular, this invention relates to novel multimeric compounds which exhibit improved relaxivity properties upon binding to endogenous proteins or other physiologically relevant sites. The compounds consist of: a) two or more Image Enhancing Moieties (IEMs) (or signal-generating moiety) comprising multiple subunits; b) two or more Target Binding Moieties (TBMs), providing for in vivo localization and multimer rigidification; and c) a scaffold framework for attachment of the above moieties. d) optional linkers for attachment of the IEMs to scaffold. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and to methods of using the compounds and compositions for contrast enhancement of diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: A method is provided for improved visualization of vascular structures contained within magnetic resonance angiograms, particularly steady-state contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiograms. The disclosed methods include manipulating the relative enhancement levels of the arterial and venous blood pools images with respect to each other and to the surrounding anatomy. This manipulation is meant to optimize visualization of one or both of the individual blood pools without the necessity of completely obscuring or removing the supporting information given by presentation of the other blood pool and/or the surrounding anatomy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for contrast-enhanced imaging of sexual response. In particular, the present invention relates to methods of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized X-ray tomography (CT), ultrasound, and optical imaging using contrast agents to measure blood flow during sexual response, especially female sexual response. The invention relates to methods of analyzing normal sexual function and sexual dysfunction and provides a means for evaluating and screening potential therapeutic compounds for enhancing sexual function or treating sexual dysfunction.

Abstract: A method is provided for improved visualization of vascular structures contained within magnetic resonance angiograms, particularly steady-state contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiograms. The disclosed methods include manipulating the relative enhancement levels of the arterial and venous blood pools images with respect to each other and to the surrounding anatomy. This manipulation is meant to optimize visualization of one or both of the individual blood pools without the necessity of completely obscuring or removing the supporting information given by presentation of the other blood pool and/or the surrounding anatomy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved diagnostic agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and optical imaging. In particular, this invention relates to MRI and optical imaging agents that allow for the sensitive detection of a specific bloactivity within a tissue. These agents are prodrug contrast agents which are bioactivated in vivo in the presence of the specific bioactivity. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these agents and to methods of using the agents and compositions comprising the agents.

Abstract: A process for preparing a phosphodiester of the formula: ##STR1## is described that involves (1) reaction of a first alcohol with phosphorous trichloride to form a phosphorodichlorodite, (2) reaction of the phosphorodichlorodite with an amine to form a phosphorodiamidite, (3) reaction with a second alcohol (which may be the same as the first alcohol) to form a phosphoramidite diester, and finally, (4) hydrolysis and oxidation of the phosphoramidite to form the phosphodiester. R and R1 may represent aliphatic, aromatic, heterocyclic, peptidic, peptoid, deoxyribo- or ribonucleotidic or nucleosidic, or organic chelating moieties.