EchoGen fluorocarbon-based ultrasound contrast agent data

SNUS presented results of a Phase III trial in 258 cardiac patients whose baseline echocardiograms could not determine their ventricular function. Molecular Biosystems' Albunex (0.22 ml/kg) and EchoGen (0.05 ml/kg) were compared to a baseline echo in each patient. Two blinded readers independently graded the scans for level and duration of contrast enhancement, and for improvement of the delineation of endocardial borders. Other attributes evaluated included the avoidance of additional tests.

Full enhancement was achieved by EchoGen in 68 percent of patients, compared to 19 percent with MB's first-generation agent. Duration of the enhancement also was longer with EchoGen (6 minutes versus 40 seconds, p<0.003). Border delineation was improved in 61 percent compared to 19 percent for the agents respectively (p<0.001). Increased confidence in the exams was reported in 76 percent of the cases following EchoGen enhancement. EchoGen significantly cut the need for more tests, and was better at disclosing findings not apparent without contrast, in a higher percentage of the patients compared to Albunex (p<0.001). ...