What we do
What we do
Cardiac imaging
Mangafodipir is the only MRI contrast agent with a potential to quantify alterations in calcium handling and contractility in heart diseases. With mangafodipir-enhanced MRI (MEMRI), physicians can measure the rate of influx of manganese into cardiomyocytes which is a direct measure of calcium channel activity. Reduced calcium channel activity is found in ischemic heart disease, in dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathies and in heart failure. ICT’s procedure will be a game changer for MR imaging of the heart.
IC Targets has initiated a preclinical study to validate a novel MRI procedure which will enable characterization of calcium handling at a cellular level. We are planning to conduct clinical studies in patients suffering from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), which represents about 50% of heart failure cases and where the need for improved diagnosis and treatment is most urgent.
More than 50 million patients in the seven major markets have heart disease. The annual growth rate is 1,4% and heart disease is the leading cause of death in the USA and Europe. Our long-term goal is to get approval for MEMRI in all common heart diseases where calcium handling may be altered. Assessment of calcium channel activity with MEMRI will provide a tool for better diagnosis, improved selection of therapy and monitoring of treatment efficacy in these patients.
IC Targets’ procedure is covered by granted patents and additionally filed patent applications for the new uses of mangafodipir.
MRI of liver & pancreas
Mangafodipir was previously marketed by GE Healthcare under the trade name Teslascan™ as a contrast agent for diagnostic MRI for the detection of focal lesions of the liver and the pancreas. Teslascan™ was withdrawn from the market for commercial reasons prior to the emergence of safety concerns with gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs).
GBCAs improve the diagnostic capabilities of magnetic resonance imaging and have been used for more than 30 years. However, GBCAs can cause nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) when used in patients with kidney disease. Retention of gadolinium in the brain and other organs was detected with increased exposure to GBCAs. Therefore, the marketing authorisation for some GBCAs was suspended, and the use of some GBCAs restricted to prevent any risks that could be associated with gadolinium deposition in the brain.
Manganese-based contrast agents are a safe alternative to existing GBCAs and have the potential to replace gadolinium-based imaging.
IC Targets is currently establishing manufacturing and supply chain resources for mangafodipir, aiming to apply for marketing authorisation in the EU and the US, and to re-launch mangafodipir for the detection of focal lesions of the liver and the pancreas.