MR SOLUTIONS
Redefining Innovation in Preclinical Imaging Systems

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been one of the game-changing technologies in the medical world that allows professionals to diagnose patients and gather crucial health information. MRI generates high-resolution images of the soft tissue parts of the body without exposing them to harmful radiation. However, despite its efficacy, it stands as an expensive investment for pharmaceutical/healthcare firms to date. Most of these MRIs are fueled by liquid helium to cool the superconducting magnets, and because of the global shortage of the second most common element in the universe, helium, has been risking both research projects and the environment. MR Solutions has developed a true cryogenfree technology translating into a major innovation: The DRY MAGNET technology.

To elaborate, Fabrice Chaumard, a stalwart in the field of biotechnology and preclinical research, strikes a comparison between liquid helium-based MRIs and petroleum cars. He highlights that just like petroleum, helium is a non-renewable resource that needs to be extracted from Earth’s core. “And with helium reserves depleting, it is time to shift to a cost-effective, long-term solution just like electric cars, this technology reduces the environmental impact,” remarks Chaumard, Director, Global Sales and Marketing, MR Solutions.

Evidently, with declining reserves and increasing prices, finding an alternative solution is easier said than done. This is where companies like MR Solutions are moving the needle. In 2013 the UK-based company introduced the true cryogen-free MRS*DRYMAG technology, also known as the dry magnet, that does not require liquid helium or liquid nitrogen for cooling. MR Solutions has designed lightweight, compact superconducting magnets allowing them to be installed in a small room. MR up to 9.4T and 42 cm bore size are available using exclusive MR Solutions’ technology.

Any pharmaceutical company benefits tremendously by adopting the dry magnet technology that MR Solutions offers as it provides considerable savings in infrastructure and operating costs without sacrificing system performance. Moreover, these magnets can be installed in biosafety laboratories. For scientists working on new vaccines or immunodeficient subjects, the MR Solutions dry magnet technology is a game-changer.

“No liquid helium, means no quench pipes and therefore it expands the capabilities of MR imaging as never seen before.

We are among the pioneers who brought high-field cryogen-free MRI combined with molecular imaging modality into the market place

The dry magnet technology exhibits exclusive features such as rotating the system to 90°, the ability to ramp the field up and down. The rampable field is an incredible advantage as researchers can run translational studies, from bench to clinic using the same field strength. It’s basically several magnets in one,” says Chaumard.

Molecular imaging scanners and magnetic resonance imaging used to be not compatible with each other due to the magnetic field. MR Solutions has developed a full range of PET scanners using silicon photo multipliers. This multi-modality approach allows multi-parametric imaging such as simultaneous PET/MR imaging. “Anyone in the field of neuro sciences and cardiovascular would benefit of acquiring PET and MR data simultaneously on the same subject,” comments Chaumard.

MR Solutions has expanded its portfolio to other imaging modalities such as SPECT/ MR/CT and PET/MR/CT. “We are among the pioneers who brought high-field cryogen-free MRI combined with molecular imaging modality into the market place,” notes Chaumard. To paint a vivid picture of the success of MR Solutions, he states that in less than five years, MR Solutions has become the market leader in cryogen-free MR technology. “We now have hundreds and hundreds of customers around the world using our systems for preclinical research and over a 1000 for clinical system. Researchers really enjoy the technology and the high performances of our equipment.”

With over 36 years of experience, the company is determined to redefine preclinical and clinical research by replacing legacy systems. As a dynamic and reactive firm, it aims to push the magnet strength beyond 9.4 Tesla and ring in new innovations that bolster the medical industry at large.