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.

The Germany-based pharmaceutical company is the result of the take-over of Schering AG by Bayer AG in 2006. The Bayer Schering Pharma AG is part of the Bayer HealthCare AG, which represents the pharmaceutical part of the Bayer Group. Activities of the Bayer Schering Pharma AG are Diagnostic Imaging, Hematology and Cardiology, Oncology, Primary Care, Specialized Therapeutics and Women's Healthcare. The diagnostic imaging part's contrast agents for MRI, x-ray and computed tomography are 'world-market leaders'.

MRI Contrast Agents:

Highly branched macromolecules, e.g. poly(amidoamine) dendrimers (known as PAMAM dendrimers, or 'starburst polymers') or Gadomer 17, a contrast agent designed for angiography and tumor differentiation.