LOS ANGELES and BALTIMORE, July 16, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RadNet Inc. (Nasdaq:RDNT), a national leader in providing high-quality, cost-effective, fixed-site outpatient diagnostic imaging services through a network of 248 subsidiary-owned and/or operated outpatient imaging centers, announced its participation in a clinical trial to evaluate the biomarker effects of the investigational drug E2609, a BACE inhibitor, which is being developed for the potential disease modifying treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Multiple RadNet imaging centers will provide the MRI and beta-amyloid positron emission tomography - computed tomography (PET/CT) capabilities for the clinical trial. The sites are located in Los Angeles and Baltimore.
The Phase 1 trial will explore whether E2609, a BACE (beta-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme) inhibitor, discovered and developed by Eisai Co., Ltd., changes the levels of beta-amyloid in patients identified as having subjective memory complaints and mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease.
The accumulation of beta amyloid in the brain is believed to play a role in the degeneration of neurons and is one of several pathological characteristics implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The clinical trial will use [18F] Flutemetamol, an investigational PET amyloid imaging agent developed by GE Healthcare to help select patients for the Phase 1 trial.
"RadNet welcomes the opportunity to join industry leaders and explore the potential for new technology to help patients suffering from AD," said RadNet President and CEO Howard Berger, M.D. "Advanced imaging diagnostics not only has the potential to help physicians select better courses of treatments for their patients – it enables researchers to secure better trial studies to develop the next generation of evidence-based treatment."
About RadNet, Inc.
RadNet, Inc. is a national leader in providing high-quality, cost-effective, fixed-site outpatient diagnostic imaging services through a network of 248 subsidiary-owned and/or operated outpatient imaging centers (inclusive of 23 facilities held in joint ventures). RadNet's core markets include California, Delaware, Maryland, Rhode Island, New Jersey and New York. Together with affiliated radiologists, and inclusive of full-time and per diem employees and technologists, RadNet has a total of approximately 6,300 employees. For more information, visit RadNet.com.