NIH-funded research R03 grant

Developing safer metal-based agents for medical imaging

Official title: Safer Metal Based Imaging Agents

Funded at Portland State University · NIH-10709659 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is working on making safer metal-based substances for medical imaging, like MRI and PET scans, so that patients can get clearer pictures of their health without worrying about harmful effects.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPortland State University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Portland, United States)
Project startSeptember 30, 2022
Project endJuly 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$69,456
NIH project number5R03EB034082-02
Project IDNIH-10709659 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients who require diagnostic imaging and may benefit from improved safety in the use of metal-based contrast agents.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not require imaging procedures or have contraindications to metal-based agents may not receive benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating safer metal-based imaging agents that can be used in various diagnostic imaging techniques, such as MRI and PET scans. The approach involves using specific ligands to safely encapsulate metal ions, preventing toxicity while allowing for effective imaging. By ensuring that these metals can be excreted from the body, the research aims to enhance the safety and efficacy of imaging procedures for patients. The project explores both essential and xenobiotic metals to find optimal solutions for medical applications.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer imaging procedures with reduced risk of metal ion toxicity for patients undergoing diagnostic imaging.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of metals in imaging is well-established, the specific approach of developing safer metal-based agents with ligands is innovative and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

  • Portland State University
    Portland, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Woods, Mark — Portland State University
  • Study coordinator: Woods, Mark

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • New, stronger medicines to treat malaria in multiple stages

    A project to develop new, affordable malaria drugs that work in several stages of the parasite’s life cycle and could be used in people of all ages.

    NIH research Portland State University · Portland, United States · NIH-11417227

  • Chemicals released by vaping cannabis

    This work looks at which chemicals are produced when people vape concentrated cannabis and how different devices and formulations change those emissions, with special attention to risks for young users.

    NIH research Portland State University · Portland, United States · NIH-11324297

  • Natural compound-based medicines aiming to cure malaria

    New drugs inspired by natural compounds that aim to kill malaria parasites at multiple stages for people at risk of malaria, including children.

    NIH research Portland State University · Portland, United States · NIH-11306570

  • New multi-stage malaria medicines

    Developing oral drugs that attack malaria at several stages to help people, including children, and to work against drug-resistant parasites.

    NIH research Portland State University · Portland, United States · NIH-11227707

  • Understanding how certain viruses remain stable in extreme conditions

    This study is looking at a special virus that can survive really hot and acidic conditions to help scientists understand how it stays strong, which could eventually lead to better treatments for viral infections.

    NIH research Portland State University · Portland, United States · NIH-11116890

  • Helping Young People in Foster Care Cope and Find Mental Health Support

    This project is testing a new group program to help young people leaving foster care manage stress and feel more comfortable asking for mental health help.

    NIH research Portland State University · Portland, United States · NIH-11086025

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.