Abstract: Linear extended polymeric paramagnetic chelates for use as MRI contrast agents are synthesized by conjugating DTPA chelator moieties to higher than 90% of the monomer residues of the polyamino acid backbone chain. The resulting polymer can be labeled with Gd, since each chelator moiety holds a Gd ion, and the resulting conformation is of an unfolded, extended linear type, capable of entering small pores and moving around obstacles in the extracellular space of tissues. The efficient production of these extended polymers is critical for the application of such contrast agents to medical imaging. One such agent is a reptating polymer containing technetium-99.

Abstract: Provided are a fluorescent microsphere comprised of a plurality of fluorescent nanocrystals embedded in a polymeric microsphere; a kit prepared from the fluorescent microspheres; and a method of producing the fluorescent microspheres comprising swelling the polymeric microsphere so that into its pores can enter fluorescent nanocrystals, and then unswelling the polymeric micropsheres so that the fluorescent nanocrystals become physically entrapped in the pores of the unswelled polymeric microsphere. Also provided is a method of using the fluorescent microspheres comprising affinity ligand for determining the presence or absence of a predetermined number of analytes in a sample by contacting the sample with the fluorescent microspheres, and detecting the fluorescence signal pattern of excited fluorescent microspheres bound to one or more analytes of the predetermined number of analytes, if present in the sample.

Abstract: Perfluoroalkyl-containing complexes with polar radicals of general formula I (K)1-G-(Z-Rf)m(R)p  (I) in which R means the polar radical, Rf means a perfluorinated carbon chain, K is a metal complex, and Z represents a linker group, are suitable for intravenous lymphography, for tumor diagnosis and for infarction and necrosis imaging.

Abstract: Thus the present invention describes diagnostic agents comprising a diagnostic metal and a compound, wherein the compound comprises: 1-10 targeting moieties;a chelator; and 0-1 linking groups between the targeting moiety and chelator; wherein the targeting moiety is a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor; and wherein the chelator is capable of conjugating to the diagnostic metal. The present invention also provides novel compositions of the compounds of the invention, kits, and their uses in diagnosis of diseases associated with MMPs.

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: Improved metal complex-containing pharmaceutical agents are described which, as an additive, contain one or more complexing agents and/or one or more weak metal complex(es) or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Perfluoroalkyl-containing complexes with sugar radicals of general formula I in which R represents a monosaccharide or oligosaccharide radical that is bonded via the 1-OH position or 1-SH position, Rf means a perfluorinated carbon chain, K is a metal complex, and Y and Z represent linker groups, are suitable for intravenous lymphography, for tumor diagnosis and for infarction and necrosis 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: A method for the assessment of pulmonary ventilation and lung perfusion through Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), comprising the steps of: positioning a human subject in an MRI apparatus, delivering a hyperpolarized noble gas to the subject by inhalation, followed by a breath-hold period, during which a bolus of a contrast agent for MRI is injected intravenously, acquiring, during the breath-hold period, at least one MR image of the lungs prior to the bolus intravenous injection and at least one MR image thereafter.

Abstract: Compounds able to chelate paramagnetic metal ions and the use thereof as contrast agents in the technique known as “Magnetic Resonance Imaging” (M.R.I.), which consist of at least two chelating agents conjugated via a multivalent linker group, to a bile acid.

Abstract: Cascade polymers, containing complex-forming ligands, optionally at least five ions of an element of atomic numbers 21-29, 39, 42, 44 or 57-83, as well as, if desired, cations of inorganic and/or organic bases, amino acids or amino acid amides, are valuable complexing compounds and complexes for diagnostics and therapy.

Abstract: Novel methods of non-invasive intravascular surgery are disclosed, which include the intravascular administration of a composition comprising gas or gaseous precursor filled vesicles, followed by application of ultrasound in an amount sufficient to induce activation or rupture of the vesicles. The methods optionally also include the step of scanning the patient with diagnostic imaging to determine the presence of the vesicles in the region.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I wherein Z1, Z2, X, R2 and R3 are as defined herein, are suitable as susceptibility reagents for use in susceptibility imaging.

Abstract: Emulsions comprising nanoparticles formed from high boiling perfluorochemical substances, said particles coated with a lipid/surfactant coating are made target-specific by directly coupling said nanoparticles to a targeting ligand. The nanoparticles may further include biologically active agents, radionuclides, and/or other imaging agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of perfluoroalkyl-containing metal complexes that have a critical micelle formation concentration <10−3 mol/l, a hydrodynamic micelle diameter (2 Rh)>1 nm and a proton relaxivity in plasma (R1)>10 l/mmol·s) as contrast media in MR imaging for visualization of plaque, lymph nodes, infarcted and necrotic tissue and for independent visualization of necrotic tissue and tumor tissue.

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: The present invention is directed, in part, to coordination complexes for detecting analytes, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: This invention describes the use of metal complexes that have a plasma protein bond of at least 10% as imaging diagnostic agents for locating an infarction or a necrosis using lasting positive visualization.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for in vivo imaging tissue of a individual, by performing magnetic resonance imaging utilizing an extended cobalt complex as a contrast enhancement agent. The extended cobalt complex is comprised of cobalt atoms, a carboxylate ligand, an amine ligand, and a multidentate thiol-containing organic ligand, the cobalt atoms being linked to thiol groups and counter ions. The extended cobalt complex is characterized as stable, water soluble, non-aggregating, magnetic, and from 0.5 to 10 nm in size. This method is especially useful in imaging tumor tissue, and also tissue which is regenerating from a wound. The extended cobalt complex can be specifically targeted to a particular tissue to enable selective imaging of that tissue. This is done by linking the extended cobalt complex to a binding moiety which specifically binds a molecule selectively expressed in the tissue.

Abstract: Macrocyclic chelant are disclosed, as well as chelates of the chelants with metal ions to form radiopharmaceutical and radioactive, MRI and X-ray or CT imaging compounds and compositions. Therapeutic and imaging methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to non-macrocyclic functional MRI contrast agents that can be used to detect the presence of physiological target substances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition that includes gadolinium particles encapsulated in microsphere shells. The composition is suitable for use as a contrast agent with a plurality of imaging modalities, including, for example, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed temography. The compositions also are useful for therapeutic applications, including neutron capture therapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wide variety of different methods and compositions that find use in high throughput screening applications utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents.

Abstract: Cascade polymer complexes with at least 16 ions of an element of atomic numbers 20 to 29, 39, 42, 44 or 57-83, useful NMR or x-ray lymphography imaging.

Abstract: MR spectroscopy and imaging methods for imaging pulmonary and cardiac vasculature and the cardiac region and evaluating blood flow or circulatory deficits use dissolved phase polarized 129Xe gas and large flip angle excitation pulses. Pulmonary and cardiac vasculature MRI images are obtained by delivering gas to a patient via inhalation such as with a breath-hold delivery -procedure, exciting the dissolved phase gas with a large flip angle pulse, and generating a corresponding image. Preferably, the image is obtained using multi-echo imaging techniques. Blood flow is quantified using low field MR spectroscopy and an RF excitation pulse with a frequency which corresponds to the resonance of the dissolved phase 129Xe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating that emits magnetic resonance signals and a method for coating medical devices therewith. The coating includes a paramagnetic metal ion-containing polymer complex that facilitates diagnostic and therapeutic techniques by readily visualizing medical devices coated with the complex.

Abstract: The invention relates to injectable compositions for increasing the image contrast between specific organ areas in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of human and animal patients. This enables better differentiation of neighboring tissue portions. Methods of the preparation of such compositions and their use in the MRI of living subjects are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composition for the treatment of tumors, of (i) at least one cytostatic drug component which is unencapsulated or is encapsulated in a PEG-, immuno-, or immuno/PEG liposome, (ii) at least one of lyophilized starch particles, degradable starch particles, and gelatine, in combination with (iii) a contrasting agent containing at least one of iodine, gadolinium, and magnetite.

Abstract: At least a portion of a catheter system (10) is provided with fullerene material (56) for performing or facilitating a medical procedure. In the case of a balloon catheter, the outer surface of the balloon may have a coating of fullerenes (64), which are preferably photosensitive or activated by light. A light source (60) can be used to illuminate or other wise activate the fullerene material. The light source (60) may be formed by one or more optical fibers extending through the shaft of the catheter, and into the balloon. Various arrangements of the catheter system are possible, whereby the light source may selectively emit light outward through the fullerene material, and associated portions of the catheter system, which may be translucent. When activated by light, the fullerene coating may preferably generate, and give off therapeutic oxygen radicals. These oxygen radicals may affect local cell function to prevent or reduce cell proliferation.

Abstract: The invention relates to new, monomeric, perfluoroalkyl-substituted metal complexes, processes for their production, and their use in diagnosis and therapy. The compounds according to the invention are suitable especially as in vivo contrast media in nuclear spin tomography (MRT). They can preferably be used as blood-pool agents and as lymphographic agents.

Abstract: A magnetic fluid is provided comprising a block copolymer stabilizer, magnetic particles and a fluid polysiloxane medium. The stabilizer comprises an anchor block which chelates magnetic metal particles, and at least one end block which is compatible with the polysiloxane medium.

Abstract: A novel method for the controlled delivery of therapeutic compounds to a region of a patient, using magnetic resonance focused therapeutic ultrasound, is disclosed.

Abstract: Blood pool imaging contrast agents containing paramagnetic bi- and tri-valent metal ion chelates of bile acid conjugates with molecules having chelating activity are used in magnetic resonance imaging of the vascular system and particularly the coronaries.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula when chelated with metals exhibit improved serum relaxivity and are used in magnetic resonance imaging, particularly for imaging the blood pool.

Abstract: Agents containing magnetic particles are suitable for use in enhancing images in diagnostic procedures, e.g., via x-ray, ultrasound or especially NMR. Preferred particles are based on metals, e.g., iron, cobalt or nickel, double metal oxides/hydroxides or complexes thereof.

Abstract: An immunoassay method including reacting a sample from a patient with a bispecific antibody, wherein the bispecific antibody includes one antibody specific for a compound to be detected and a second antibody specific for a compound foreign to said patient sample, and subsequently reacting the patient sample with a polymer probe, wherein the polymer probe includes a compound recognized by the second antibody in the bispecific antibody complex and further includes at least two detectable signals; the bispecific antibody; and the polymer probe of the immunoassay method are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods for using said compositions which comprise:

Abstract: This invention relates to a set of aqueous marker compositions, each composition having a selected 1/Ti value which is substantially invariant over an at least 10° C. temperature range between 15 and 40° C. and preferably over an at least ±2% magnetic field strength range about a selected field strength value between 0.01 and 5T and comprising an aqueous matrix material having a non-zero 1/Ti temperature dependence within said temperature range with distributed therein a first paramagnetic material having a Ti relaxivity which is substantially invariant within said range(s) and/or a second paramagnetic material having within said ranges(s) and T1 relaxivity which has a non-zero temperature dependence of opposite polarity to the temperature dependence of 1/Ti of said matrix material, said set containing a plurality of said compositions with different selected 1/Ti values preferably encompassing at least the range 1.0 to 2.

Abstract: Cascade polmer complexes with at least 16 ions of an element of atomic numbers 20 to 29, 39, 42, 44 or 57-83, useful NMR or x-ray lymphography imaging.

Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal compound is described capable of linking to an affinity molecule. The compound comprises (1) a semiconductor nanocrystal capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation and/or absorbing energy, and/or scattering or diffracting electromagnetic radiation—when excited by an electromagnetic radiation source or a particle beam; and (2) at least one linking agent, having a first portion linked to the semiconductor nanocrystal and a second portion capable of linking to an affity molecule. The compound is linked to an affinity molecule to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with a detectable substance. Subsequent exposure to excitation energy will excite the semiconductor nanocrystal in he probe, causing the emission of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Tripodal polyaminophosphonate chelants are disclosed, as well as chelates of the chelants with metal ions to form radiopharmaceutical and radioactive, MRI and X-ray or CT imaging compounds and compositions. Therapeutic and imaging methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting myocardial ischemia in a human or a non-human body, said method comprising administering to said body a physiologically acceptable manganese complex or salt thereof, subjecting said body to a magnetic resonance imaging procedure capable of generating images with time intervals of less than 0.5 seconds and thereafter providing a series of images of the myocardium of said body whereby to identify regions of abnormal blood flow. The method in accordance with the invention is of use not only in detecting myocardial ischemia, but also in discriminating between reversibly and irreversibly injured myocardial tissues, thereby providing important information about myocardial viability, e.g. during or following a severe heart attack or coronary occlusion. The method of the invention also provides an effective means of monitoring reperfusion of the myocardium.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for use in delivering a substance of interest to a targeted cell. The substance of interest is associated with a targeting fragment of a toxin molecule or a lectin that specifically binds to a cell surface receptor, such as the B subunit of an A/B type toxin molecule. The substance of interest may be a photosensitizing agent, in which case the cell (e.g. a cancer cell) may be killed by exposure to light after delivery of the agent. Alternatively, the substance of interest may be a visualizing agent that enhances visualization of the targeted cell.

Abstract: Perfluoroalkyl-containing complexes with sugar radicals of general formula I 1

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I): are used as their paramagnetic chelates as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging. These compounds have high affinity to plasma proteins and exhibit extremely high values of relaxivity in serum and are thus useful as blood pool contrast agents.

Abstract: Novel methods, processes and metal complexes attached to a hypoxia-localizing moiety comprising

Abstract: Methods, compounds, compositions and kits that relate to pretargeted delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents are disclosed. In particular, three-step pretargeting methods are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of intravenous contrast agents for projection mammography and novel devices for carrying out projection mammography. The invention therefore relates to the use of intravenous contrast agents for producing a diagnostic medium for projection mammography. With the additional intravenous administration of contrast agent, projection mammography attains a sensitivity comparable to the most modern methods, such as magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) while having a wider range of applications and avoiding the cost of MRT. This novel method is simple and can be carried out without special inconvenience for the patients. It a) considerably improves sensitivity for demonstrating focal lesions in the mammae and b) provides additional information on the character of previously detected lesions.

Abstract: A non-toxic contrast agent for enhancing contrast in in vivo magnetic resonance measurements, comprised of a water-soluble, stable paramagnetic fullerene that is free of paramagnetic metal species. A preferred contrast agent is a fullerol having at least one unpaired electron.

Abstract: MR spectroscopy and imaging method for imaging pulmonary and cardiac vasculature and the cardiac region and evaluating blood flow or circulatory deficits use dissolved phase polarized 129Xe gas and large flip angle excitation pulses. Pulmonary and cardiac vasculature MRI images are obtained by delivering gas to a patient via inhalation such as with a breath-hold delivery-procedure, exciting the dissolved phase gas with a large flip angle pulse, and generating a corresponding image. Preferably, the image is obtained using multi-echo imaging techniques. Blood flow is quantified using low field MR spectroscopy and an RF excitation pulse with a frequency which corresponds to the resonance of the dissolved phase 129Xe.