Polarean Imaging secures key US patent for Xenon MRI, shares jump
() , a UK-based medical imaging technology company, announced the issue of a US patent covering the use of Xenon MRI for cardiopulmonary blood flow imaging. The patent benefits Polarean's XENOVIEW product, a proprietary hyperpolarised Xenon MRI contrast agent. XENOVIEW is inhaled, then dissolves into lung tissue and enters the pulmonary microvasculature, allowing non-invasive detection of microvascular blood flow impairment such as pre- and post-capillary pulmonary hypertension.
The newly granted patent expands the utility of hyperpolarised Xenon MRI in the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases of the pulmonary vasculature. With the patent, Polarean's Xenon MRI platform can see expanded use in the US, following initial receipt of FDA approval in December 2022. To fully avail of the new patent, is working to secure a gas exchange indication for XENOVIEW from the FDA, with an associated clinical trial expected soon.
Bastiaan Driehuys, Chief Scientific Officer of Polarean, commented: "This exciting new technology introduces a fundamentally new contrast mechanism for Xenon MRI that opens the door to non-invasive characterisation of haemodynamics that are altered in patients with pulmonary hypertension. In our research, we have seen this core new capability pave the way to better diagnosis and monitoring of these patients and comprehensive assessment of dyspnea."
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A major milestone for Polarean and its XENOVIEW MRI platform, expanding the company's patented IP, and potential reach and utility of its Xenon MRI inhaled agent. 's pulmonary imaging platform promises to revolutionise medical imaging with the ability to illuminate hidden diseases non-invasively, including those within the pulmonary vasculature. This can enable early intervention and significantly improve patient outcomes. Investors welcomed the news, sending shares 9% higher on Tuesday.
Currently, pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) is a significant global health challenge, affecting the intricate network of blood vessels within lung tissue and connecting the lung to the heart. There is presently no easy method for directly measuring blood flow and pressure in the lungs, with the conventional approach requiring the insertion of an invasive catheter. The absence of effective non-invasive tools for assessing pulmonary vascular function remains a persistent barrier to early diagnosis and monitoring of PVD.
Polarean's XENOVIEW platform, now empowered by a new US patent, promises to disrupt the market in addressing the significant unmet medical need. To further expand its reach, Polarean is working with the FDA to lower the approved patient age range for XENOVIEW from 12 to 6 years old. Additionally, is working to secure FDA approvals of the new indications for XENOVIEW to include gas exchange and cardiopulmonary applications, with clinical trials expected soon.
Based on initial deployments, industry interest, and today's announcement, there is good reason to believe in XENOVIEW's long-term success. Last year's approval of a new C-code from US Medicare, corresponding to a payment range of US$1,201 to US$1,300, was a major milestone. The new code, along with additional existing codes for XENOVIEW MRI, enables hospitals to request a total reimbursement of approx. $2,500, which is a significant incentive. has confirmed that its initial clinical sites have attained reimbursement by both private insurers and Medicaid, and said it is working to broaden coverage.
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