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 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: 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.