New contrast agent for safer heart imaging
Official title: Manganese-based Contrast Agent for Cardiovascular MRI
Funded at Reveal Pharma · NIH-10846650 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | December 15, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,030,766 |
| NIH project number | 5R44HL156713-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10846650 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults with cardiovascular diseases who may also have renal impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cardiovascular issues or those who do not have any risk factors for kidney problems may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a manganese-based contrast agent for cardiovascular MRI, aiming to improve the safety and effectiveness of heart imaging. The study addresses the risks associated with current contrast agents, particularly for patients with kidney issues, by providing a non-toxic alternative that enhances imaging quality without the harmful side effects. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques, the research seeks to offer better diagnostic capabilities for heart disease, which is a leading cause of death globally.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more accurate heart imaging for patients, particularly those with kidney problems.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing safer imaging agents, but this manganese-based approach is relatively novel and untested.
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.
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Developing a safer MRI contrast agent using manganese
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.
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.