FDA Approves 2 Firms’ Ultrasound Imaging Agent

WASHINGTON — Molecular Biosystems Inc. and Mallinckrodt Inc. said they won U.S. approval to sell the first of a new generation of imaging agents used with ultrasound procedures.

The Food and Drug Administration approval for the product, called Optison, is key for San Diego-based Molecular Bio, which has been part of a legal struggle with Sonus Pharmaceuticals Inc. and other drug companies over how the FDA regulates imaging agents.

Though Molecular Bio was originally the leader in the race to get one of the new-generation agents to market, its lead was endangered by the legal battle and a subsequent FDA ruling that required the company to meet more requirements for approval. Molecular Bio developed the agent, a drug injected into the body to help doctors obtain a clearer picture of the heart during ultrasound procedures.

“It’s a seminal event for the company,” said Peter Drake, an analyst with Vector Securities. “I see this as a major vindication for the company and for the product.”

Molecular Bio shares rose 75 cents to close at $9.81 on the New York Stock Exchange. Shares of St. Louis-based Mallinckrodt, which will market the agent, rose 13 cents to $37.06, also on the NYSE.

The product is currently approved for cases where it’s hard to get a clear picture of the heart. Drake said he eventually expects the companies to win approval of the agent for use in measuring blood flow in the heart and in radiology.

Shares of Bothell, Wash.-based Sonus fell $1.25 to close at $34 on Nasdaq. Company officials weren’t immediately available for comment on the Molecular Bio approval.