Short name: (Gd-DTPA)-17, 24 cascade polymer, generic name: Gadomer-17, 24, central moiety: Gd2+, relaxivity: r1=11.9, B0=1.0 T, r2=16.5, Dose: 0.05 mmol/kg
An intravascular macromolecular MRI contrast agent with positive enhancement under development (Bayer Schering Pharma AG) for MR angiography and tumor differentiation. The synthetic dendrimer with large molecular weight (17kD - limits agent to vascular space) is linked to Gadolinium. The renal excretion is slowed to intermediate molecular size. In MRA a longer lasting venous and arterial enhancement was seen with Gadomer-17 due to the particular pharmacokinetics of this agent.

See also Tumor Specific Agents, and Intravascular Contrast Agents.

Gadovist® is an extracellular, neutral macrocyclic (gadolinium (Gd) complex) MRI contrast agents for central nervous system indications, particularly suited for studies in which high doses are required or advantageous. Gadovist® (also Gadograf) was available in two concentrations, currently only Gadovist® 1.0 is marketed.
The product was approved in Switzerland in 1999 and in Germany in 2000. Gadovist® 1.0 is in USA currently in the drug development and approval process, particularly for magnetic resonance angiography.

WARNING: NEPHROGENIC SYSTEMIC FIBROSIS Gadolinium-based contrast agents increase the risk for nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with acute or chronic severe renal insufficiency (glomerular filtration rate less than 30 mL/min/1.73m²), or acute renal insufficiency of any severity due to the hepato-renal syndrome or in the perioperative liver transplantation period.

See also Paramagnetic Contrast Agents and Gadobutrol.

GastroMARK® belongs to the negative oral contrast agents (same as Lumirem®, another brand name for ferumoxsil). GastroMARK® is used to distinguish the loops of the bowel from other abdominal structures and physiology. When GastroMARK® is ingested, it flows through and darkens the stomach and the small intestine in 30 to 45 minutes. By more clearly identifying the intestinal loops, GastroMARK® improves visualization of adjacent abdominal tissues such as the pancreas.

Short name: Gd-DTPA-PEG, generic name: Gd-DTPA-PEG polymers, chemical compound: Gadolinium DTPA polyethylene glycol, central moiety: Gd2+, relaxivity: r1=6.0, B0=1.0 T
A substance under development (preclin.) as an intravascular MRI contrast agent for MR angiography and capillary permeability detection.

Short name: PLLGd-DTPA, generic name: (Gd-DTPA)n-polylysine, chemical compound: Gd-DTPA poly(L-lysine-Gd-diethylenetriamine-N,N,N',N'',N''-pentaacetic acid), central moiety: Gd2+, relaxivity: r1=13.1, B0=0.23T
A polymeric MRI contrast agent under development (preclin., Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany) with advantages in both MRA and in the differential diagnosis of tumors, particularly in perfusion studies of the myocardium and potential in MR lung perfusion. Dozens of the relatively small molecule Gd-DTPA is bound covalently to polylysine, a large molecular weight backbone. The stable, highly water-soluble agent does not diffuse through the endothelium of the vascular system; it is subject to renal elimination.