Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death worldwide, and requires precise, accessible, and versatile diagnostic imaging agents. Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) plays a central role in evaluating CAD, guiding treatment decisions, and identifying risk level. While SPECT agents like Tc-99m ( e.g. Sestamibi) have been in use for a long time, PET imaging is rapidly gaining ground with the emergence of F-18 flurpiridaz (Flurcardo) as a next-generation tracer.
Background: Why MPI Matters
MPI assesses blood flow to the heart muscle under stress and rest conditions, identifying ischemia (insufficient blood supply to an organ or tissue, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients ) and infarction (death of tissue resulting from prolonged ischemia).
Compared to widely used Tc99m and other SPECT imaging agents, PET MPI agents offer superior image quality, better quantification of myocardial blood flow (MBF), and reduced radiation exposure—but has historically been constrained by short lives of Rb-82, N-13 PET agents along with their exercise stress test limitation and pharmacologic induction for stress test.
Why F-18 Flurpiridaz (Flurcardo) Is a Game Changer
- Long Half-Life (109 min)
Enables both exercise and pharmacologic stress testing, flexible scheduling, and repeat imaging. - Exceptional Image Resolution
F-18’s short positron range (~1 mm) yields sharper images than Rb-82 (~7 mm), improving diagnostic confidence. - Off-Site Cyclotron Compatibility
Unlike N-13, flurpiridaz can be distributed from regional cyclotrons, making it available over a wide geographic area similar to Pylarify availability for prostate cancer imaging. - Quantitative MBF & MFR
Supports absolute myocardial blood flow and flow reserve analysis due to characteristics of F-18 radioisotope. - Repeat Imaging Feasibility
Longer half-life allows re-scans in case of artifacts or protocol deviations. - Exercise Stress Capability
Unlike Rb-18 and N-13, flurpiridaz supports treadmill stress protocols, valuable when patient is able to, Vs. pharmacologic agent induced stress.
Clinical Implications and Future Outlook
F-18 flurpiridaz PET imaging bridges the existing gap in availability, versatility and image quality Vs existing SPECT and PET agents.
Investor Interest
Investors evaluating Flurcardo (flurpiridaz F-18) would be keenly interested in Flurcardo’s market impact, uptake, and competition with SPECT, Rb-82 and N-13 PET agents. Consultations on market differentiation, operational efficiency, logistics and growth potential is available via contact form on the website.
