Our Microsphere Technology
Imagify™ (perflubutane polymer microspheres) injectible suspension is comprised of porous, synthetic polymer microspheres containing gas that are administered intravenously and act as tracers of blood flow, or perfusion. Imagify’s synthetic polymer shell is robust and withstands the pressures of the cardiovascular system and the power of the ultrasound beam, enabling it to overcome the limitations of the earlier generation agents. The synthetic polymer is poly-lactic glycolic acid, which has been used in biodegradable sutures for decades. The presence of the gas promotes reflection of the ultrasound signal and the microsphere shell keeps the gas from dissolving too rapidly in the blood. This technology allows Imagify to last longer and reflect more strongly in the blood, providing for excellent, extended assessment of blood flow throughout the heart.
We have developed proprietary process technology that allows us to create microspheres with precise size and density characteristics. This enabling technology (Figure Below) composed of proprietary spray drying equipment, pore-forming agents, and advanced particle milling processes enables great flexibility to design drug delivery vehicles useful in a wide range of compounds.
The suitability of microspheres for use in drug delivery depends on a variety of characteristics, including size, shell material and porosity. Our lead product candidate demonstrates one potential application of this technology.