Front Cover: Comprehensive Magnetic Resonance Imaging Relaxometry of Gadolinium‐Based Contrast Agents: A Systematic Study of Transmetallation and Transchelation Processes With Zinc Ions and Heparin (ChemMedChem 6/2026)

Key Points

• The study aims to investigate the effects of zinc ions and heparin on the stability of gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents.
• Utilized MRI relaxometry techniques
• Monitored changes in relaxation rates of gadolinium-based contrast agents
• Examined competition between GBCAs and heparin for Gd ions
• Analyzed stability patterns of linear versus macrocyclic agents
• Significant changes in relaxation rates indicated competition between GBCAs and heparin
• Stability patterns differ between linear and macrocyclic gadolinium-based agents
• Established a platform for assessing GBCA safety and guiding the design of more stable agents