GE HealthCare’s Pixxoscan, a macrocyclic, non-ionic MRI gadolinium-based contrast agent, has received marketing authorization in Austria and is pending approval in other European countries, and is set to be launched in 2023.
Pixxoscan facilitates visualization of abnormal structures or lesions and helps in the differentiation between healthy and pathological tissue. In line with the reference product, Gadovist, Pixxoscan (gadobutrol) is indicated for use in adults, adolescents, and children of all ages (including term neonates) for contrast enhancement in cranial and spinal MRI and MR angiography. It is also indicated for whole-body imaging, including liver and kidneys in patients with high suspicion or evidence of having focal lesions to classify them as benign or malignant.
Gadobutrol has a high relaxivity which helps enhance detection, delineation, and characterization in MRI across its range of indications. It is also formulated at twice the concentration of gadolinium ions, reducing injection volume by half compared to other GBCAs, providing a tighter bolus. Its cage-like macrocyclic chelate, which encloses the gadolinium, provides high kinetic stability.
Pixxoscan adds to GE HealthCare’s MRI contrast media portfolio which includes macrocyclic Clariscan (gadoteric acid) as well as Rapiscan, used in stress cardiac MR to aid diagnosis of coronary artery disease and offering an alternative for patients who cannot exercise. The availability of Pixxoscan will give radiology departments greater access to agents supporting a broad range of MRI procedures, helping them in personalizing care for patients.
Mark Hibberd, chief medical officer of GE HealthCare Pharmaceutical Diagnostics, adds: “This extension to our portfolio means, we will be able to offer two leading macrocyclic molecules—Clariscan (gadoteric acid) and Pixxoscan (gadobutrol)—to our customers in a number of European countries, offering radiology departments even more choice to suit their diagnostic needs. We continue to innovate and invest in our contrast media portfolio to deliver for healthcare professionals and patients and to meet future demand.”
