On day two of the RSNA annual meeting, GE HealthCare's announcements revolved around molecular imaging, including a new SPECT/CT system and the acquisition of a radiopharmaceutical company.

The company unveiled plans to acquire the remaining 50% stake in Nihon Medi-Physics Co. Ltd. (NMP) from Sumitomo Chemical, solidifying its full ownership of the Tokyo-based radiopharmaceutical company. The transaction is expected to close in early 2025, pending regulatory approval.

NMP specializes in radiopharmaceuticals for SPECT and PET imaging, with products addressing neurology, cardiology, and oncology. Its offerings include VIZAMYL for Alzheimer’s-related imaging, DaTSCAN for Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, and MYOVIEW for myocardial perfusion imaging. In 2023, the company generated approximately $183 million (¥28.2 billion) in revenue and operates 13 manufacturing facilities.
Kevin O’Neill, president and CEO of GE HealthCare’s Pharmaceutical Diagnostics segment, emphasized Japan's strategic importance as the third-largest pharmaceutical market and a leader in cyclotron usage. "NMP will play a key role in bringing innovative radiopharmaceuticals to Japan and other Asian markets, aligning with our precision care strategy," he said.

The acquisition strengthens GE HealthCare’s Pharmaceutical Diagnostics segment, which supports over 120 million imaging procedures annually worldwide. Recent advancements, including the U.S. FDA approval of Flyrcado (flurpiridaz F 18 injection) and investments in theranostics, underline the company’s commitment to shaping the molecular imaging market.

New dual-head SPECT/CT scanner
In other news, GE HealthCare debuted Aurora, a dual-head SPECT/CT system aimed at advancing diagnostic capabilities in nuclear medicine. The system integrates functional imaging from SPECT with detailed anatomical imaging from CT, offering comprehensive insights for cancer and cardiac disorders.

Aurora incorporates Revolution Ascend CT technology, including a 75 cm-wide CT bore and 40 mm detector coverage — double the coverage of many hybrid systems. It also supports advanced applications like coronary CT angiography, aided by a 0.35-second rotation speed and up to 128-slice imaging.

The system is designed to improve diagnostic workflows with features like Effortless Workflow, which includes automation tools such as Auto Prescription and Smart Plan to streamline technologist tasks. It also incorporates AI-powered tools like ASiR-V, which reduces radiation dose by up to 82%, and SnapShot Freeze 2 for motion blur reduction during heart imaging. Additionally, SwiftScan SPECT technology enables faster scans or lower radiation doses while maintaining lesion detectability, and SmartMar reduces image artifacts from metal implants.

Molecular Imaging Homepage