[Levovist]

Abstract

SH/TA-508 (Levovist) is agglomerates of microparticles consisting of galactose (99.9%) and palmitic acid (0.1%), and the active entity is the microbubbles stabilized by palmitic acid which covers the bubbles. SH/TA-508 micro-bubbles are stable under high-pressure condition and they circulate the whole body for several minutes along with blood flow after the intravenous injection. The left sided cardiac cavities and arteries are clearly opacified by using this contrast agent and the Doppler signals from the mitral, aortic and pulmonic vein are also enhanced significantly. Also microcirculating flow image of the liver, kidney and other organs are well enhanced in the clinical studies. SH/TA-508 improves the capability of ultrasound diagnosis.