NVision Imaging Technologies GmbH, Ulm, Germany, a developer of MRI polarizers and hyperpolarized imaging agents, is applying breakthroughs in quantum physics, chemistry, and engineering to revolutionize metabolic MRIs. Cooperation with Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine is mutually beneficial, opening the way for more efficient diagnosing and treatment of cancer

In June and September 2024, a representative of Research Division of with Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine visited Ulm University (Germany) with a series of lectures on quantum-chemical simulations of spin-active compounds. This resulted in the signing of the Memorandum of understanding with NVision Imaging Technologies GmbH, a spin-off company of Ulm University. The company’s hyperpolarization technology permits the assessment of human and animal metabolism by standard MRI, enabling advanced preclinical and clinical applications, including novel cancer diagnosis and monitoring of response to therapy.

Traditional MRIs detect slow-changing effects of a cancer therapy at the tissue level, which can take months to show up from the onset of treatment. Conversely, metabolic MRIs are able to detect early changes of key metabolic pathways at the cellular level, which can show up within days from starting treatment. The challenge is that these metabolic MRIs rely on polarization, which enables the measurement of natural metabolites. Unlike traditional polarizers that are slow, cumbersome to use, and complicated to operate in the MRI setting, NVision’s Polarizer is fast, robust, and easy-to-use. Based on a novel parahydrogen-induced polarization (PHIP) technique, the NVision team is applying breakthroughs in quantum physics, chemistry, and engineering to revolutionize metabolic MRIs. The ability to diagnose earlier, assess treatment response faster, and non-invasively understand tumor aggressiveness is the foundation for a new era of adaptive cancer treatment. Clinicians and patients will no longer have to spend months unsure about the efficacy of their cancer treatment plan.

Collaboration between NVision Imaging Technologies and Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine might be mutually beneficial and lead to significant breakthrough in both research and application of novel MRI methods. ShNHU can provide a unique expertise in introducing new approaches in medical community and a vast clinical base, leading to rapid implementation of rule-changing technologies for cancer treatment.