Abstract: Method and apparatus for continuous infusion to a subject of dispersions in which the dispersed phase is susceptible to flotation or sedimentation. The dispersion is controllably delivered from an upper or lower extremity of an essentially vertically positioned delivery vessel, e.g. syringe 2, and is then admixed with flushing medium, e.g. from infusion minibag 8, prior to administration to the subject. Vertical positioning of the delivery device maximises the distance through which flotation or sedimentation may occur, thereby substantially reducing the effects of separation over a given period of time compared to use of a corresponding horizontal delivery vessel such as a syringe placed in a conventional syringe driver.

Abstract: This invention relates to a freeze-dried vesicle containing ultrasound contrast agent containing a freeze-drying stabilizer and thermally stable at temperatures in excess of 20° C.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of gas-containing vesicles the membranes whereof comprise an amphiphilic membrane-forming material, said process comprising: (i) generating a liquid dispersion of gas-containing vesicles from a mixture comprising an amphiphilic membrane forming material; (ii) lyophilizing a liquid dispersion of said gas-containing vesicles; (iii) reconstituting the lyophilized product of step (ii) with a sterile aqueous liquid to produce an aqueous dispersion of gas-containing vesicles; and (iv) treating the aqueous dispersion product of step (iii) or the lyophilized product of step (ii) to produce a substantially aggregate-free sterile aqueous dispersion of gas-containing vesicles.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for continuous infusion to a subject of dispersions in which the dispersed phase is susceptible to flotation or sedimentation. The dispersion is controllably delivered from an upper or lower extremity of an essentially vertically positioned. delivery vessel, e.g. syringe 2, and is then admixed with flushing medium, e.g. from infusion minibag 8, prior to administration to the subject. Vertical positioning of the delivery device maximises the distance through which flotation or sedimentation may occur, thereby substantially reducing the effects of separation over a given period of time compared to use of a corresponding horizontal delivery vessel such as a syringe placed in a conventional syringe driver.

Abstract: The invention relates to MR contrast media containing composite nanoparticles, preferably comprising a superparamagnetic iron oxide core provided with a coating comprising an oxidatively cleaved starch coating optionally together with a functionalized polyalkyleneoxide which serves to prolong blood residence.

Abstract: The invention relates to particulate contrast agents, especially contrast agents for MR imaging having a metal oxide core which is preferably superparamagnetic iron oxide. The particulate contrast agents are provided with a low coating density of a polyelectrolyte coating agent selected from structural polysaccharides and synthetic polymers, especially polyaminoacids. Unlike conventional coated particulates, the new particles have reduced or no effect on cardiovascular parameters, platelet depletion, complement activation and blood coagulation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a freeze-dried vesicle containing ultrasound contrast agent containing a freeze-drying stabilizer and thermally stable at temperatures in excess of 20.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of functional imaging of a human or non-human animal body, which method comprises administering into the gastrointestinal tract of a said body an effective amount of a composition comprising (a) a first contrast agent comprising a physiologically tolerable manganese compound or a salt thereof, together with (b) a second contrast agent, and generating a functional image of the gastrointestinal tract of said body.This imaging technique has surprisingly been found to provide clear delineation of those portions of the gut wall in which manganese uptake is occurring, thereby enabling not only the detection of tumors in the gut, but also the identification of regions of the gut which may be functioning abnormally.

Abstract: The invention relates to MR contrast media containing composite nanoparticles, preferably comprising a superparamagnetic iron oxide core provided with a coating comprising an oxidatively cleaved starch coating optionally together with a functionalized polyalkyleneoxide which serves to prolong blood residence.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in and relating to magnetic resonance imaging of the human or non-human body. The invention particularly relates to a method in which positive and negative contrast agents are administered to enhance image contrast.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in and relating to magnetic resonance imaging of the human or non-human body. The invention particularly relates to a method in which positive and negative contrast agents are administered to enhance image contrast.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of contrast enhanced MR angiography of the human or non-human animal body, said method comprising administering into the vasculature thereof a contrast effective amount of a contrast agent composition comprising magnetic particles having a r.sub.2 /r.sub.1 ratio of no more than 5, and, at a time when sufficient of said magnetic particles remain in the vasculature to provide positive contrast enhancement thereof in a T.sub.1 -weighted image while sufficient magnetic particles have been taken up into an organ of the reticuloendothelial system to provide negative contrast enhancement thereof in said T.sub.1 -weighted image, generating a T.sub.1 -weighted image magnetic resonance image of at least said organ.