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Gadoterate meglumine (Dotarem)

Guerbet · Phase 3 active Small molecule

Gadoterate meglumine (Dotarem) is a Gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) Small molecule drug developed by Guerbet. It is currently in Phase 3 development for MRI contrast enhancement for central nervous system imaging, MRI contrast enhancement for body imaging including liver, kidney, and other organs.

Gadoterate meglumine is a gadolinium-based contrast agent that enhances magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by shortening the relaxation time of water protons in tissues.

Gadoterate meglumine is a gadolinium-based contrast agent that enhances magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by shortening the relaxation time of water protons in tissues. Used for MRI contrast enhancement for central nervous system imaging, MRI contrast enhancement for body imaging including liver, kidney, and other organs.

At a glance

Generic nameGadoterate meglumine (Dotarem)
SponsorGuerbet
Drug classGadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA)
TargetWater proton relaxation (non-receptor mediated)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaDiagnostic Imaging
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

Gadoterate meglumine is a macrocyclic gadolinium chelate complex that distributes in the extracellular space and increases the relaxivity of nearby water molecules, thereby enhancing tissue contrast on T1-weighted MRI images. The gadolinium ion is tightly bound within a cyclic ligand structure, which improves safety by reducing the risk of gadolinium release and deposition in tissues compared to linear chelates.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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Frequently asked questions about Gadoterate meglumine (Dotarem)

What is Gadoterate meglumine (Dotarem)?

Gadoterate meglumine (Dotarem) is a Gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) drug developed by Guerbet, indicated for MRI contrast enhancement for central nervous system imaging, MRI contrast enhancement for body imaging including liver, kidney, and other organs.

How does Gadoterate meglumine (Dotarem) work?

Gadoterate meglumine is a gadolinium-based contrast agent that enhances magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by shortening the relaxation time of water protons in tissues.

What is Gadoterate meglumine (Dotarem) used for?

Gadoterate meglumine (Dotarem) is indicated for MRI contrast enhancement for central nervous system imaging, MRI contrast enhancement for body imaging including liver, kidney, and other organs.

Who makes Gadoterate meglumine (Dotarem)?

Gadoterate meglumine (Dotarem) is developed by Guerbet (see full Guerbet pipeline at /company/guerbet).

What drug class is Gadoterate meglumine (Dotarem) in?

Gadoterate meglumine (Dotarem) belongs to the Gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) class. See all Gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) drugs at /class/gadolinium-based-contrast-agent-gbca.

What development phase is Gadoterate meglumine (Dotarem) in?

Gadoterate meglumine (Dotarem) is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of Gadoterate meglumine (Dotarem)?

Common side effects of Gadoterate meglumine (Dotarem) include Injection site reactions (pain, erythema), Headache, Nausea, Dizziness, Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with severe renal impairment.

What does Gadoterate meglumine (Dotarem) target?

Gadoterate meglumine (Dotarem) targets Water proton relaxation (non-receptor mediated) and is a Gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA).

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