Translation of Hyperpolarized [13C,15N2]Urea MRI for Novel Human Brain Perfusion Studies

Motivation: Motivated by the need for safe, non-invasive perfusion imaging, this study developed sterile, hyperpolarized [13C,15N2]urea as a novel MR molecular imaging probe for brain imaging. Goal(s): We aimed to develop and apply a sterile hyperpolarized [13C,15N2]urea for human brain imaging, optimizing its use for detailed visualization of brain vasculature. Approach: A new approach was implemented to produce hyperpolarized [13C,15N2]urea sterile doses, and hyperpolarized [13C,15N2]urea imaging was conducted in healthy brain volunteers. Results: A sterile single-agent hyperpolarized [13C,15N2]urea probe was produced, enabling first-in-human 13C imaging of cerebral blood flow, depicting clear vascular structures and consistent arterial and venous signals across subjects. Impact: First-in-human brain MRI studies with single-agent hyperpolarized [13C,15N2]urea effectively visualized brain vasculature, including arterial and venous circulation. This study lays the groundwork for clinical translation, opening possibilities for perfusion imaging in neurological and systemic conditions.