Nova TheraNostics LLC

Nova TheraNostics (NTN) is commercializing a novel, biocompatible, lipid-nanoparticle carrier platform technology designed to address multiple medical applications, the first being an enhanced gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent. These gadolinium-containing lipid nanoparticles have several novel characteristics. First, they are roughly 33-fold more sensitive than commercially available gadolinium contrast agents. These particles stay completely (>99%) within the bloodstream, have a longer serum half-life, and are completely eliminated by 24 hours, which allows this agent to be used in blood pool (vascular) imaging applications. Finally, they are unique in that they are eliminated by the liver through the bile into the gut, and not eliminated through the kidneys as are other contrast agents, making it likely a much safer agent to administer in patients with renal disease. NTN's contrast agent is currently in preclinical testing and likely will be the first one available for safe use in the 26+ million Americans with acute and chronic kidney disease.