Polarean Imaging PLC (AIM:POLX, OTC:PLLWF), a leader in advanced lung MRI scanning, has upgraded the University of Missouri Health Care (MU Health Care) Department of Radiology's polariser system for clinical use.
The conversion marks a key milestone in the execution of Polarean's commercial plan to extend its advanced imaging technology to pulmonary patients.
Polarean chief executive Christopher von Jako said: "I am delighted that MU Health Care has upgraded its polariser system for clinical use, and will imminently begin clinical scanning for pulmonary patients.
"This represents further execution of our strategic plan to convert existing XENOVIEW research sites, whilst in parallel looking to secure new installations."
XENOVIEW, the first and only US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved inhaled contrast agent for MRI evaluation of lung ventilation in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older, will be employed in the upgraded system.
The product enhances the ability to visualise lung ventilation without the risks associated with ionizing radiation.
MU Health Care's Department of Radiology initiated a research programme in pulmonary imaging in 2018, using Polarean's hyperpolarised xenon technology. It now expects to begin scanning hospital clinic patients in the near future.
With over 37 million Americans suffering from chronic lung disease, there is a significant need for non-invasive diagnostic technology.
XENOVIEW, created through the Polarean HPX hyperpolarisation system and administered in a brief 10 to 15-second breath-hold MRI procedure, aims to fulfil this need by providing pulmonologists, surgeons, and other respiratory specialists with detailed maps of ventilation in their patients' lungs.