IQ-AI Limited  revealed today it has filed a patent for its gadolinium-free MR imaging technology. The possibility of eliminating gadolinium-based contrast agents from MR imaging procedures is of great interest to the healthcare industry as it lowers costs and avoids health risks.

Gadolinium-free MR imaging introduces savings for healthcare systems, from reduced administration and patient time to slashed direct material expenses.

It's also deemed safer for patients. The health risks associated with gadolinium are currently hotly debated by radiologists but concern is mounting. Recent clinical papers have published evidence that gadolinium is toxic, retained for an unhealthy amount of time in the body and, in rare cases, the cause of serious diseases.

Considering these proposed benefits and that over 3.4 million MR imaging procedures were carried out in the UK in 2017-2018 alone, removing gadolinium from over 1.7 million tests a year would be quite a feat for the American healthcare imaging company. 

David Smith, CEO of IQ-AI's operating subsidies said the company is "now intend to develop the technology and conduct the clinical work necessary to prepare for worldwide regulatory submissions."

The Royal College of Radiologists called for the NHS to “do more to future-proof its MRI capacities” last year. It seems IQ-AI might have just made that a lot easier.

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