New Report Compares the Six Major Modalities Used in Small Animal Imaging.

DUBLIN, Ireland -- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c47945) has announced the addition of Frost & Sullivan's new report: U.S. Preclinical Small Animal Imaging Markets to their offering.

The U.S. Preclinical Small Animal Imaging research service provides comprehensive analyses on the six major modalities used in scientific research laboratories in 2005. The six modalities include: Optical (Bioluminescence and Fluorescence), Micro-PET, Micro-CT, Micro-SPECT, Micro-MRI and High Frequency Ultrasound. Market metrics for all six segments include: forecasts for revenues, unit shipments, installed base, pricing trends as well as discussion of competitive structure and respective market share by company. The base year for the study is 2005, with historical data from 2002-2004 and forecast data from 2006-2012. The terms Preclinical and/or Small Animal Imaging are used interchangeably throughout this study.

Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:

Optical Imaging: Bioluminescence is the use of transgenic mouse models that carry a fluorophore that can be tracked under an imaging system. Fluorescence imaging is the use of fluorescent markers transplanted into cells and then injected into animals for monitoring and analyses. Typically the least costly of all imaging modalities and the most widely used, optical systems are experiencing an upward trend due to the increasing number of fluorphores and imaging enhancement software available that make these systems readily affordable and feasible for a broad spectrum of end-users.

Micro-PET: Using radio-labeled fluorine and carbon molecules, PET systems image sites of highest metabolic activity, i.e. highest usage of glucose. The ultra high resolution of micro-PET systems and the need for cyclotron-generated markers account for the expensive purchase price, which can approach nearly $1 million.

Micro-CT: Following advances in clinical medicine, Micro-CT systems can image dense structures like bone and the heart with resounding clarity. However, the radiation exposure of X-rays can affect cancer-related studies when an animal is constantly examined under CT systems for prolonged periods.

Micro-SPECT: Unlike PET, micro-SPECT systems use radiopharmaceuticals that have longer half-lives and do not require the need for cyclotrons to generate a marker. Although contrast resolution is inferior to PET systems, SPECT imaging can monitor multiple agents simultaneously. Micro-SPECT systems are also relatively affordable, usually around $500,000.

Micro-MRI: The resolution and spatial contrast of Micro-MRI systems are by far the grandest of any preclinical systems. Largely dependent on magnetic field strength, Micro-MRI systems are able to perform functional and physiological analyses at the tissue level. Also the most expensive of any preclinical system, with prices around $1.5 million depending on magnetic strength, the number of end-users is largely limited to universities and government labs that have the capital and operational capabilities to install a system.

High frequency ultrasound: Employing mature, proven technology that relies on sound waves to image soft tissue, HF-US ranks with optical systems in affordability and range of capabilities. Requiring only modest floor-space and offering ultra-mobile units, HF-US systems can be used by many operators within the same lab. The addition of ligand-specific markers is also making this modality one of the fastest growing in terms of adoption.

Market Sectors

Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:

By application:

Preclinical imaging

Installed base

End-user groups

Procedural volume

Competitive structure

By technologies:

Optical imaging

Micro-PET

Micro-SPECT

Micro-CT

Micro-MRI

High frequency ultrasound

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c47945