The First Phase I Study of a Novel Ultrasound Contrast Agent (BR14): Assessment of Safety and Efficacy in Liver and Kidneys

We have performed the first study in humans of BR14 (Bracco Imaging), a novel microbubble-based ultrasound contrast agent with liver specific properties (1). BR14 is based on phospholipid stabilized perfluorbutane microbubbles (2,3) with a mean diameter of 2.0 to 2.5 m and a concentration of 4 to 7 108 per mL. The study was aimed at evaluating the safety of the agent and its imaging properties in the liver and kidneys.