Polarean Imaging PLC (AIM:POLX, OTC:PLLWF) has been granted a US patent for its pioneering use of Xenon magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in cardiopulmonary blood flow imaging.
This development marks a significant advancement in the diagnosis and monitoring of pulmonary vascular diseases (PVD), which affect the network of blood vessels connecting the lungs to the heart.
The patented technology is centred on the company's hyperpolarised Xenon MRI contrast agent, XENOVIEW, and enables non-invasive visualisation of pulmonary blood flows and pressures.
Polarean's approach involves patients inhaling XENOVIEW, which then permeates lung tissue and enters the pulmonary microvasculature, allowing dynamic assessment of blood flow distribution.
This capability is particularly crucial for detecting impairments in microvascular blood flow, a common challenge in early PVD diagnosis and management.
The issuance of this patent follows a meeting with the US Food & Drug Administration, at which Polarean discussed expanding clinical trials to include cardiopulmonary blood flow imaging as part of the XENOVIEW label.
"This new patent represents an important advancement for our intellectual property portfolio, strengthening our market position and marking a pivotal step toward achieving our vision of optimising lung health and minimising preventable loss," said Polarean CEO Christopher von Jako.
"Through our innovative, non-invasive, radiation-free pulmonary functional imaging platform, we aim to illuminate hidden diseases, including those within the pulmonary vasculature.
"This breakthrough has the potential to empower early intervention and significantly improve patient outcomes."