We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
GLOBETECH PUBLISHING LLC

Download Mobile App




New Compounds to Benefit Kidney Disease Patients Unable to Undergo MRI Examinations

By MedImaging International staff writers
Posted on 29 Nov 2024
Image: A molecular trap for exotic metals promises improved diagnostics and faster drug development (Photo courtesy of Tomáš Belloň/IOCB Prague)
Image: A molecular trap for exotic metals promises improved diagnostics and faster drug development (Photo courtesy of Tomáš Belloň/IOCB Prague)

Lanthanides play a vital role in biomedical fields, including as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and in radiotherapeutics. However, enhancing their binding strength within pharmaceutical molecules has remained a challenge for the past 30 years. Stability is especially critical for gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents, as gadolinium can be harmful to the body if it leaks from the drug molecule. Researchers have now developed compounds that are up to a million times more stable than those used in current treatments for tumors or MRI contrast agents. These new compounds securely bind lanthanides within the molecules of medical drugs.

The breakthrough synthetic technique, called ‘ClickZip,’ was created by scientists from IOCB Prague (Prague, Czech Republic) and incorporates lanthanides into molecules in a nearly irreversible manner, enhancing their safety. According to the study published in Nature Communications, ClickZip operates as a ‘trap.’ The molecule starts in an open state, allowing the metal to enter a prepared binding site. Once the metal is in place, a chemical reaction triggers the ‘trap door’ to close, locking the metal in securely and preventing its release. These compounds could significantly benefit individuals with impaired kidney function who cannot safely undergo certain MRI scans, as their bodies excrete contrast agents slowly, raising the risk of gadolinium toxicity.

The applications of ClickZip extend beyond MRI. The compounds are so stable that they can withstand boiling in concentrated acid without breaking down. This stability allows researchers to tag molecules, such as peptide drugs, for testing in animal models. The tags enable precise tracking of how the drug distributes through tissues and in what quantities. This discovery opens up new possibilities not only in medicine but also in various industrial sectors. The scientists have patented the technology and are currently seeking a partner to help bring it to the market.

Related Links:
IOCB Prague

Digital Radiographic System
OMNERA 300M
Computed Tomography System
Aquilion ONE / INSIGHT Edition
Biopsy Software
Affirm® Contrast
New
High-Precision QA Tool
DEXA Phantom

Channels

Ultrasound

view channel
Image: The new implantable device for chronic pain management is small and flexible (Photo courtesy of The Zhou Lab at USC)

Wireless Chronic Pain Management Device to Reduce Need for Painkillers and Surgery

Chronic pain affects millions of people globally, often leading to long-term disability and dependence on opioid medications, which carry significant risks of side effects and addiction.... Read more

Nuclear Medicine

view channel
Image: The diagnostic tool could improve diagnosis and treatment decisions for patients with chronic lung infections (Photo courtesy of SNMMI)

Novel Bacteria-Specific PET Imaging Approach Detects Hard-To-Diagnose Lung Infections

Mycobacteroides abscessus is a rapidly growing mycobacteria that primarily affects immunocompromised patients and those with underlying lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary... Read more

Imaging IT

view channel
Image: The new Medical Imaging Suite makes healthcare imaging data more accessible, interoperable and useful (Photo courtesy of Google Cloud)

New Google Cloud Medical Imaging Suite Makes Imaging Healthcare Data More Accessible

Medical imaging is a critical tool used to diagnose patients, and there are billions of medical images scanned globally each year. Imaging data accounts for about 90% of all healthcare data1 and, until... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.