New Macrocyclic MRI Contrast Agent Launched

A new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) gadolinium-based contrast agent intended for the visualization of brain, spine and related tissues, has been launched.

There has been a significant increase in demand for new contrast media in the last ten years. The demand is related to the increasing rate of MRI procedural advancements, as well as diagnostic procedures.


The new MRI contrast agent, called Clariscan (gadoteric acid) was developed by GE Healthcare, and adds to the range of MRI contrast media options GE already provides. Clariscan was initially approved in Norway, and will be introduced for the European market during 2017. Gadolinium-based contrast agents (CGCA) are the gold-standard tool used in MRI and enable the rapid detection of abnormalities by providing improved contrast between normal and pathological tissues.

Emmanuel Ligner, GM Core Imaging, GE Healthcare Life Sciences, said, “Gadolinium-based agents are known to be a gold-standard detection tool in MR imaging, offering improved contrast between normal and pathological tissue to enable rapid detection of abnormalities. It is important that radiologists are able to make a contrast media selection dependent on the needs of individual patients. We believe macrocyclic Clariscan, manufactured using a proprietary GE process, extends choice for radiology professionals, backed by the well-established quality, reliability and surrounding services GE customers have come to expect.”