Contrast agents
AssigneeNycomed Imaging AS
InventorsJo Klaveness, Pal Rongved, Per Strande
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Abstract
The invention relates to ultrasound contrast agents comprising vesicles comprising a protein capable of formation of gas-containing vesicles, wherein the vesicles contain gas which comprises sulphur hexafluoride or a low molecular weight fluorinated hydrocarbon. These contrast agents exhibit stability in vivo upon administration so as to permit ultrasound visualization while allowing rapid subsequent elimination from the system.
Claims30
Microbubbles comprising a protein capable of formation of gas-containing microbubbles, said microbubbles containing gas comprising sulphur hexafluoride or a low molecular weight fluorinated hydrocarbon.
A process for the preparation of a contrast agent which comprises generating microbubbles comprising a protein capable of formation of gas-containing microbubbles, said microbubbles containing gas comprising sulphur hexafluoride or a low molecular weight fluorinated hydrocarbon.
A process for the preparation of a contrast agent which comprises crosslinking, microbubbles comprising a protein capable of formation of gas-containing microbubbles, said microbubbles containing gas comprising sulphur hexafluoride or a low molecular weight fluorinated hydrocarbon, and said crosslinking introducing crosslinking groups which contain biodegradable linkages.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.