MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Data presented at the Society for Nuclear Medicine (SNM) Annual Meeting shows that uptake of the investigational imaging agent [18F]flutemetamol correlates with a beta amyloid in vivo1 biopsy and can be quantified using a PET-only registration method.2 Data from other studies show that [18F]flutemetamol uptake is inversely related to measures of cognitive function in non-demented older adults3. Additionally, the [18F]flutemetamol dosimetry profile is comparable to that of most PET diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals4 and the biodistribution attributes in Japanese and Caucasian subjects is comparable. 5 [18F]Flutemetamol is a PET imaging agent in development for the detection of beta amyloid, which could add value to current diagnostic tools used by physicians to evaluate neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimers disease (AD).

The accumulation of beta amyloid in the brain is believed to play a role in the degeneration of neurons in AD and is one of several pathological characteristics implicated in its development. Currently, AD is confirmed by histopathological identification of core features, including beta amyloid plaques, in postmortem brain samples.6Targeted amyloid imaging agents are being studied to determine their ability to help physicians detect amyloid deposition in living humans.

Data from studies featured at the meeting in Miami show that:

Flutemetamol may prove to be a clinically valuable component of a broader diagnostic workup that neurologists use when assessing patients with cognitive impairments, who possibly have Alzheimers disease, said Jonathan Allis, General Manager, PET, GE Healthcare, Medical Diagnostics. Results from these studies support the potential role of [18F]flutemetamol in helping physicians detect amyloid deposits in the brain, and support our application for regulatory approval.

[18F]Flutemetamol is one part of a broad portfolio of diagnostic solutions that GE Healthcare is currently developing in the Alzheimers field. The company is taking a comprehensive approach to understanding AD through its ongoing research to uncover the causes, risks, and physical effects of the disease. GE Healthcares global commitment to advance clinical knowledge and provide a variety of technologies to aid in the fight against this epidemic may assist physicians in the acceleration of diagnosis and improvement of treatment decisions in all stages of the disease.

The company already offers a broad portfolio of imaging resources, which support accurate visualization of the signs of neurodegenerative diseases via state-of-the-art scanners - including MRI, PET, and CT - that deliver clear visualization of the brain.More specifically, our portfolio today includes cyclotrons and chemistry systems to manufacture PET imaging agents, PET and MR scanners to scan patients, and image analysis software to interpret the results.

GE Healthcare has been a key contributor to the Alzheimers Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) since its inception. The company also plays a primary role in PredictAD, an EU-funded research project to develop solutions to enable earlier diagnosis of AD, and in the Coalition Against Major Diseases (CAMD).

Additionally, the combination of GE Healthcares diverse business offerings positions the company well to offer an integrated global diagnostics solution to assist the pharmaceutical industry in its development of the next generation of therapies. To that end, the company is working with potential partners in the pharmaceutical industry to understand their strategic needs and design solutions, and help provide imaging support for pivotal therapy trials.

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New Data Presented at the Society for Nuclear Medicine Annual Meeting Supports Efficacy Profile of Imaging Agent [18F ...