Developing a safer MRI contrast agent using manganese
Official title: Manganese Based MRI Contrast Agent
Funded at Reveal Pharma · NIH-10861085 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new MRI contrast agent made from manganese to see if it can safely help doctors get clear images for cancer detection, especially for patients with kidney problems who might be at risk from the usual gadolinium-based agents.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Reveal Pharma NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | June 5, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,025,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R44CA261240-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10861085 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 21 and older who have chronic kidney disease and require MRI imaging for cancer detection or monitoring.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without kidney disease or those who do not require MRI imaging for cancer detection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a manganese-based MRI contrast agent as a safer alternative to gadolinium-based agents, which are commonly used in MRI scans for cancer detection but pose risks of long-term toxicity, especially in patients with kidney issues. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this new contrast agent in imaging, particularly for patients with chronic kidney disease who are at risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. By utilizing manganese, the research seeks to provide a solution that minimizes the risks associated with gadolinium while still delivering accurate imaging results. Patients participating in this research may undergo MRI scans using the new contrast agent to assess its performance compared to traditional agents.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer imaging option for patients with kidney disease, reducing the risk of serious complications associated with current contrast agents.
How similar studies have gone: While manganese-based contrast agents are being explored, this approach is relatively novel and has not been widely tested in clinical settings compared to gadolinium-based agents.
Where this research is happening
-
Reveal Pharma
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoffman, Vera — Reveal Pharma
- Study coordinator: Hoffman, Vera
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Developing a new MRI contrast agent to detect liver disease
This study is testing a new type of MRI contrast agent made from manganese to help doctors see liver damage caused by nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) without needing to do a painful biopsy, making it easier to catch problems early and track how well treatments are working for people with liver disease.
-
New contrast agent for safer heart imaging
This study is testing a new, safer contrast agent made from manganese for heart MRI scans, designed especially for people with kidney problems, to help doctors get clearer images of the heart without the usual risks.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.