RADIATION FREE MRI BRAIN IMAGING

Pharma pulse by :Linu Mohan
RADIATION FREE MRI BRAIN IMAGING

Neuroimaging or brain scanning includes the use of various techniques to directly or indirectly image the structure and function of the brain, which isrelatively new area in medical science. Various methods for brain imaging includescomputed axial tomography,diffuse optical imaging,positron emission tomography,Magnetic resonance imaging, etc.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive medical test that physicians use to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Presently the benchmark approach to imaging molecules in the brain is to tag them with radioactive probes.Routine methods of spotting the presence of specific molecules in the brain works with either chemical or radioactive markers and it is not easy to detect dynamic events as they have low resolution. Sometimes it may develop side effects on patients.

Recently few scientists have come up with a completely new method,using targeted proteins and MRI to get a quality picture of activity inside the brain.In this method, the proteins were designed to hold onto a peptide called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). The protein/peptide packages are designed to open up when in the presence of proteases, and release the CGRP. Since the peptide is released wherever the proteases are present, nearby vessels begin to dilate. This change in blood flow can be spotted using MRI, revealing the location of the target protease molecules.

This is an idea that enables radiologist to detect molecules that are in the brain at biologically low levels.

 

WIRELESS CONNECTED METERED DOSE INHALER

The pressurised metered dose inhaler (MDI) is the most widely prescribed inhalation device. It usually contains a solution or suspension of active drug, in a liquefied propellant. This device can release a metered dose of the drug as per the requirement of the patient. MDI have the advantage of being multidose, small and widely available for most of the drugs used in major respiratory diseases. A good technical skill is required for the correct use of the device is considered as one of the disadvantage. Many patients fail to coordinate the beginning of the inspiration with the actuation of the inhaler. As a result there is an increase chance for patient non adherence with the use of MDI.

Recently researchers have come up with a novel concept of MDI to create a wireless connected metered dose inhaler for patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The device allows the patient, as well as their family and clinical team, to have a complete picture of when and how much of medications have been delivered. This data can be combined with lung function data stored in an app and therefore the effect of the drugs can be better understood for individual patients.

There’s also a traditional FDA approved mechanical dose counter built-in, so existing drugs can be ported more easily to the new platform. The system can also be integrated with additional sensors and an on-board display to provide extra readings without using an app.

The major advantages with the device are, it promotes adoption and repeated use to generate unadulterated data and it also equipped with sensors to detect medication use and quality of medication administration, which is detection of proper inhaler actuation so as to monitor and improve patient adherence.