Targeson, Inc. introduces Ultrasound Molecular Agent for Inflammation

San Diego, CA – September 26, 2011 - Targeson announced the introduction of Visistar® VCAM-1, an ultrasound molecular imaging agent for use in preclinical drug discovery and research. Visistar VCAM-1 is a novel microsphere contrast agent bearing a covalently-coupled ligand that selectively binds to vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 on the vascular endothelial surface in mice. VCAM-1 is a well-recognized biomarker of inflammation expressed on activated blood vessels. The contrast agent can be used for molecular imaging of inflammation in mouse models of atherosclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease and diabetes. This is Targeson’s third contrast agent in the Visistar product line. The Visistar products bear covalently-bound ligands specific for molecular markers of disease. The Visistar agents represent a significant advance in ultrasound contrast agent design, as the formulation does not require conjugation or preparation and is ready to use right out of the vial. It is stable for one full working day and can be used with most clinical and preclinical ultrasound scanners. Targeted contrast ultrasound imaging has emerged as an important molecular imaging modality, as it provides a convenient and noninvasive technique for characterizing and evaluating biological processes in vivo. Targeson’s targeted contrast agent products enable researchers to expand the use of existing ultrasound scanners into molecular and functional imaging.

About Targeson, Inc.

Targeson develops, manufactures and markets ultrasound imaging agents for functional and molecular imaging applications in the research market. Targeson’s commercial products include: Targestar® P, a non-targeted ultrasound contrast agent designed to enhance and quantify blood flow and vascular function; Targestar P-HF, a perfusion contrast agent specifically designed to be used with high frequency ultrasound scanners; Targestar SA, a targetable ultrasound contrast agent enabling any biotinylated antibody or biomolecule to be coupled to a microsphere, making it suitable for a wide variety of molecular imaging applications including tumor angiogenesis, myocardial infarction, atherosclerotic plaque, thrombosis, organ transplant rejection and inflammatory diseases; Visistar Integrin, a targeted ultrasound contrast agent coated with a peptide that binds integrin αvβ3; and Visistar VEGFR2, a targeted ultrasound contrast agent coated with a VEGFR2 binding ligand, both indicated for molecular imaging of angiogenesis and tumor growth; Visistar VCAM-1, a targeted ultrasound contrast agent indicated for molecular imaging of inflammation.

For further information please contact 877-290-4043/858-427-3675 or info@targeson.com

Targestar® and Visistar® are registered trademarks of Targeson, Inc.