Drug evaluation: PB-127, a novel contrast agent for the detection of myocardial perfusion.

Point Biomedical Corp is developing PB-127 (CardioSphere) as an ultrasound imaging agent for assessing myocardial perfusion in patients with coronary artery disease. In January 2006, the company submitted an NDA for the agent; this was accepted for review in February 2006, with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act review and action date of late October 2006. PB-127 is effective for intermittent harmonic power Doppler imaging and may be the first contrast agent to receive FDA approval for myocardial perfusion imaging.