Imagify

Imagify (AI-700) is an ultrasound contrast agent developed by Acusphere for the assessment of myocardial perfusion in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. It consists of synthetic polymer microspheres made of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) that encapsulate perflubutane gas. When administered intravenously, these microspheres oscillate in an ultrasound field, significantly enhancing the backscatter of ultrasound waves. This enhancement allows for the visualization of blood flow within the myocardium, helping to identify areas of reduced perfusion indicative of coronary artery blockages. The product was designed to provide diagnostic information similar to nuclear stress tests but without the use of radioactive isotopes. Despite reaching late-stage clinical trials, the developer faced regulatory hurdles, including a Complete Response Letter from the FDA in 2008, which ultimately led to the termination of its commercial development.

Brand names

Imagify

Other names

perflubutane microspheres