QW-7437

QW-7437 is an experimental second-generation ultrasound contrast agent developed by Sonus Pharmaceuticals, specifically designed for myocardial perfusion imaging. The agent is a perfluorocarbon-based emulsion that forms microbubbles upon administration, which significantly enhance the backscatter of ultrasound waves. This acoustic enhancement allows for high-resolution visualization of blood flow within the myocardium, facilitating the diagnosis of myocardial infarction and the assessment of myocardial viability and perfusion. While primarily a diagnostic tool, the platform also explored potential therapeutic applications such as sonothrombolysis, where ultrasound energy is used in conjunction with microbubbles to dissolve blood clots. Development of QW-7437 was discontinued as Sonus Pharmaceuticals shifted its strategic focus toward oncology and its TOCOSOL drug delivery technology prior to its merger with OncoGenex.