Sep 27 2007
The old adage says "a picture is worth 1,000 words," but that value is undoubtedly higher in preclinical research where high-resolution images can validate years of work. Siemens Medical Solutions, Molecular Imaging division, manufacturer of the InveonTM preclinical imaging system, continues to lead the preclinical imaging market, through a strong investment in its research partners and through the demand for the versatile and upgradeable Inveon platform.
The Inveon is a modular system that allows users to combine positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and computed tomography (CT) acquisition systems in one unit. The system also delivers the industry's highest PET resolution and sensitivity and it boasts a suite of research tools that improve the workflow of basic research. These tools can help speed the drug development process as they enable researchers to identify specific biological processes, monitor the efficacy of compounds, and measure the effects of disease progression over time.
Siemens will install the 30th Inveon preclinical imaging system at The Methodist Hospital in Houston. The collaboration between Siemens and The Methodist Hospital was well-timed as Radiology Department Chairman, King Li, MD, FRCP, MBA, has led the department on a major commitment to establish research as an institutional priority. As such, The Methodist Hospital is experiencing a period of unprecedented growth and it has created The Methodist Hospital Research Institute (TMHRI) to advance these efforts.
"This transition necessitates the development of a strong academic radiology department that will provide core imaging research, especially molecular imaging support, to TMHRI investigators," said Dr. Li. "An upgradeable platform like the Inveon is a perfect system to suit our needs today and we anticipate that it will be able to meet our needs for years to come."
According to Dr. Li, the success of his team's research efforts is contingent upon their ability to translate their findings into clinical applications that will improve patient care. Their success also hinges on their ability to conduct clinical trials to validate their hypotheses. The Inveon will play a critical support role in their publications on cancer, cardiovascular disease, neuroscience, metabolic disease and infectious disease.
"With 30 installed systems we are seeing tremendous enthusiasm for preclinical imaging," said Michael Reitermann, president, Siemens Medical Solutions, Molecular Imaging Division. "The Inveon is being shipped in large quantities and we consider that a testament to the improvements that our system brings to research workflow. High-quality imaging will always be one of the best ways to prove the effectiveness of new therapies and to illustrate the mechanisms of many diseases."