Development and Testing of Novel Contrast Agents for Diagnostic Imaging

澳大利亚医疗保健系统对诊断成像的需求正以每年5%以上的速度增长。为了促进成像，澳大利亚每年进口放射造影剂，成本超过5000万美元。 现有的碘基试剂对于当前CT扫描仪中的X射线吸收并不理想，并且还在约5%的所有患者中引起中度至重度过敏反应，有时具有致命的结果。新的射线照相介质，提供增强的对比度，并提供更大的病人舒适度和安全性是必不可少的。 即使是国际市场的一小部分，也会产生数百万美元的收入，支持成像技术的增长和专业知识，并为澳大利亚稀土和铋金属的开采提供新市场。

Demand for diagnostic imaging in the Australian healthcare system is growing at over 5% per annum. To facilitate imaging, Australia imports radiographic contrast media costing in excess of $50 million every year. Existing iodine-based agents are not ideal for X-ray absorption in current CT scanners and also cause moderate to severe allergic reaction in around 5% of all patients, sometimes with fatal results. New radiographic media, which give enhanced contrast and provide greater patient comfort and safety are essential. Even a small fraction of the international market would generate millions of dollars in income, support growth and expertise in Imaging Technologies, and provide new markets for Australian mining of rare earth and bismuth metals.