NEW ORLEANS, June 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Siemens Healthcare (www.siemens.com/healthcare) highlights innovative solutions in molecular imaging at the 2008 Society of Nuclear Medicine (SNM) Scientific Sessions in New Orleans, June 14-18. The Siemens booth (#731) will feature its newest technology, HD-PET, as well as new features in SPECT imaging and imaging biomarker developments.
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HD-PET -- Seeing More, Clearly
Siemens HD-PET is the world’s first and only high-definition PET technology to offer consistently sharper and clearly defined images across the entire field of view. The clarity achieved by HD-PET is the result of a unique and proprietary technology that optimizes the elements of image uniformity, resolution and contrast -- that together change the whole picture.
The improved resolution enables physicians to clearly visualize small lesions from the center to the edges of the field of view.
Siemens showcases the experiences of the early adopters of HD-PET technology at the SNM 2008.
Symbia(R) E -- Simply Evolutionary
Siemens Symbia family of imagers is the highlight of the SNM exhibition, featuring Symbia E showcased for the first time in the United States. Symbia E addresses the needs of the cost-conscious consumer by redefining the quality of cost-efficient molecular imaging. The newest addition to the Symbia family of SPECT and SPECT-CT imaging systems, Symbia E provides users with a high-quality SPECT imager that can lead to improved clinical confidence, reliability and versatility.
“As the leader in molecular imaging innovations, Siemens introduced Symbia E, representing the first product designed to address the post-DRA environment, providing a cost-efficient, yet high-quality solution,” said Michael Reitermann, chief executive officer, Molecular Imaging, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. The new Symbia E is based on the success of Siemens Symbia family of imagers, taking Symbia’s detector technology and making it available on Symbia E.
A new generation of HD detectors is the key innovation leading to best-in-class performance and reliability. Using these detectors, where Siemens achieved an 85 percent reduction in wiring and a 75 percent reduction in components, the overall reliability of the product is significantly increased. Symbia E is primed to be the newest general imaging SPECT and cardiac SPECT workhorse for customers who require a quick return on their investment; especially important in the post-DRA environment.
Research Breakthroughs in Imaging Biomarkers
While currently the largest distributor of PET radiopharmaceuticals in the U.S. and aggressively expanding internationally into countries and regions, such as India, the United Kingdom, Korea and Australia, Siemens is also making inroads into developing new imaging biomarkers that may be used in the future. Siemens Molecular Imaging Biomarker Research facility in Los Angeles has recently submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for a new imaging agent that will help with imaging hypoxic tumors, which may be resistant to standard treatment involving chemotherapy. This type of imaging biomarker may be valuable in managing the treatment options for cancer patients.
“By investing into the research and development of new radiopharmaceuticals and expanding our distribution network, Siemens is helping to improve access to PET technology, an increasingly essential component to oncological, cardiac and neurological treatments,” Reitermann said.
Siemens also recently announced that the National Cancer Institute has filed a cross-reference letter to a Type II Drug Master File that Siemens submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its investigational 3’Deoxy-3'[18F] Fluorothymidine (F-18 FLT) imaging biomarker. The cross reference allows F-18 FLT to be produced by Siemens/PETNET and used by any principle investigator in an NCI multi-center clinical trial. In addition, the imaging biomarker will be available to independent investigators if they receive NCI approval. F-18 FLT is produced by Siemens Molecular Imaging Biomarker Research and PETNET Solutions, subsidiaries of Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. The imaging biomarker has been used in studies monitoring the proliferative activity of cancer cells and it is currently being used in Phase-I clinical trials at several research sites.
MI-University -- Tools for the Trade
Tying it all together, Siemens Molecular Imaging (MI) University provides a substantive training resource for Siemens’ customers. Today’s molecular imaging professionals require continuous education, training and the ability to share results. Designed to be used by the interpreting physician, referring physician and technologist, MI University demonstrates the benefits of hybrid PET-CT and SPECT-CT systems, including when and how hybrid imaging influences patient management, through access to valuable clinical data and detailed case studies; video lectures; product information; and a tool for information exchange among peers. (https://www.mi-lifenet.com/miudemo/)
About Siemens Healthcare
Siemens Healthcare is one of the world’s largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in knowledge engineering, including information technology and system integration. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens Healthcare is the first fully integrated diagnostics company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy, and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services. Siemens Healthcare delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care -- from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. Additionally, Siemens is the global market leader in innovative hearing instruments. The company employs more than 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2007 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of euro 9.85 billion, orders of euro 10.27 billion, and group profit of euro 1.32 billion. Further information can be found by visiting http://www.siemens.com/healthcare.
CONTACT: Tom Schaffner, Siemens Healthcare, +1-610-448-1477,
thomas.schaffner@siemens.com
Web site: http://www.usa.siemens.com/healthcare/
