Radiopharmaceutical firm Jubilant DraxImage has signed a term sheet for an exclusive license for U.S. marketing and distribution of Technegas, a lung imaging radiopharmaceutical from Australian firm Cyclopharm.
Technegas is a structured, ultrafine dispersion of radioactive labeled carbon, produced by microfurnacing dried technetium-99m in a carbon crucible for a few seconds at around 2,700° C, according to the companies. After patients inhale the gas-like substance via a breathing apparatus, a gamma or SPECT camera can be used to provide multiple views and tomography imaging for diagnosing pulmonary emboli, DraxImage and Cyclopharm said.
If the deal is completed, DraxImage will also assist Cyclopharm in developing and financing phase III clinical trials for Technegas and any other steps required to file and obtain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance. The term sheet is subject to satisfactory due diligence and execution of a definitive agreement and other necessary approvals, DraxImage said.
