Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an ultrasound contrast agent comprising microbubbles of perfluorocarbon, which microbubbles are stabilised by a membrane of phospholipid; and a buffering agent; wherein the ultrasound contrast agent has a bulk pH of from about 7.5 or above, preferably about 8.5 or above. The ultrasound contrast agent is for long-term storage and is ready for use in vivo. Further disclosed is a method for preparing such an ultrasound contrast agent and methods for use of an ultrasound contrast agent in a clinical setting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for sterilisation of phospholipid suspensions, useful in the preparation of ultrasound contrast agent precursors comprising phospholipid-stabilised perfluorobutane microbubbles. The method provides sterility assurance, without undue thermal degradation of the phospholipid. The method is also amenable to commercial scale manufacture. Also provided are methods of preparing kits and ultrasound contrast agents incorporating the sterilisation method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for sterilisation of phospholipid suspensions, useful in the preparation of ultrasound contrast agent precursors comprising phospholipid-stabilised perfluorobutane microbubbles. The method provides sterility assurance, without undue thermal degradation of the phospholipid. The method is also amenable to commercial scale manufacture. Also provided are methods of preparing kits and ultrasound contrast agents incorporating the sterilisation method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparation of ultrasound contrast agent precursors comprising phospholipid-stabilised perfluorobutane microbubbles. The method is amenable to commercial scale manufacture, and provides more consistent vial-to-vial yields and size distribution of said microbubbles. Also provided are methods of preparing kits and ultrasound contrast agents using the method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new radiolabelled peptide-based compounds and their use for diagnostic imaging using positron emission tomography (PET). Such compounds may thus be used for diagnosis or therapy of, for example, malignant diseases, heart diseases, endometriosis, inflammation-related diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and Kaposi's sarcoma.

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 present invention relates to stabilised technetium and rhenium metal complex compositions comprising a radioprotectant and a radiometal complex of a tropane-tetradentate chelating agent conjugate, wherein the radiometal complex is neutral. Radiopharmaceuticals comprising the stabilised metal complex compositions, and kits for the preparation of the radiopharmaceuticals are also described.

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.