The Esaote Group, founded in the 1980's, is a global leader in research, production, and marketing of medical diagnostic equipment and related services. Esaote offers integrated diagnostic solutions for ultrasound electromedical diagnostic systems, and MRI. The Esaote MR equipment is dedicated for specific clinical applications, as distinguished from conventional whole body MRI systems. This MRI product family is based on a unique, proprietary technology developed specifically for musculoskeletal imaging.
The Italian based company is a member of the Bracco Group.
Esaote North America is the exclusive U.S. distributor of MRI devices manufactured by Esaote.

MRI Scanners:

0.2T to 0.31T:
Vet-MR (Based on the E Scan XQ, dedicated to the veterinarian practice.)

European Medicines Agency (EMA) is a decentralised body of the European Union with headquarters in London.
'The EMA began its activities in 1995, when the European system for authorising medicinal products was introduced, providing for a centralised and a mutual recognition procedure. The EMA has a role in both, but is primarily involved in the centralised procedure. Where the centralised procedure is used, companies submit one single marketing authorisation application to the EMA. A single evaluation is carried out through the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) or Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use (CVMP). If the relevant Committee concludes that quality, safety and efficacy of the medicinal product is sufficiently proven, it adopts a positive opinion. This is sent to the Commission to be transformed into a single market authorisation valid for the whole of the European Union.'
'Its main responsibility is the protection and promotion of public and animal health, through the evaluation and supervision of medicines for human and veterinary use. The EMA coordinates the evaluation and supervision of medicinal products throughout the European Union. The Agency brings together the scientific resources of the 28 EU Member States in a network of over 40 national competent authorities. It cooperates closely with international partners, reinforcing the EU contribution to global harmonisation.'

Hologic's main businesses are osteoporosis assessment, mammography and breast biopsy. In September 2005 Hologic Inc. entered an exclusive distribution and service agreement for extremity MRI imaging systems manufactured by Esaote SpA (initial term of three years, with automatic 1-year renewal options). Under this agreement Hologic, Inc. distributes the C-Scan™, the Opera E-SCAN™ XQ and the S-Scan in the USA.

The company changed its name from Advanced Magnetics, Inc. to AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in July 2007.
AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, developed and manufactured organ-specific diagnostic contrast agents that provide clearer images during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests used to detect tumors and other abnormalities.
The company had two MRI related products on the market: Feridex I.V. (for the diagnosis of liver lesions) and GastroMARK (used for bowel and abdominal MR imaging). In November 2008, AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc. decided to discontinue the manufacturing of Feridex. The development of Combidex as a contrast agent for lymph disease has also been stopped.
The Company has now two commercial products: Feraheme® and GastroMARK®. Feraheme® is the trade name of Ferumoxytol (formerly Code 7228) and is indicated for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. Feraheme® is also being developed as a diagnostic agent for vascular-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess peripheral arterial disease.

MRI Contrast Agents:

The company is a member of the Bracco Group, a highly innovative healthcare group and world leader in global integrated solutions for the diagnostic medical imaging field. The Bracco Group is headquartered in Milan, Italy. Its North American operations consist of Bracco Diagnostics and Bracco Research USA, both located in Princeton, New Jersey. Bracco Diagnostics is one of the fastest growing developers and marketers of diagnostic pharmaceuticals in North America, with products for various imaging applications, including Isovue® (iopamidol - X-ray contrast agent), ProHance® (gadoteridol - MRI contrast agent), SonoVue® (ultrasound contrast agent) and nuclear medicine products.
Gadoteridol has been available in Europe and the USA for several years. Holder of the Marketing Authorization: Bracco International B.V. - Strawinskylaan 3051 - 1077 ZX Amsterdam The Netherlands. (Contact: Kirk Deeter, Phone: +NL-303-838-8708)

MRI Contrast Agents: