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N-13 ammonia intravenous injection

Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) · FDA-approved active Small molecule

N-13 ammonia is a positron-emitting radiopharmaceutical that accumulates in viable myocardium proportional to regional blood flow, enabling visualization of cardiac perfusion.

N-13 ammonia is a positron-emitting radiopharmaceutical that accumulates in viable myocardium proportional to regional blood flow, enabling visualization of cardiac perfusion. Used for Myocardial perfusion imaging for detection of coronary artery disease, Assessment of myocardial viability in patients with coronary artery disease.

At a glance

Generic nameN-13 ammonia intravenous injection
SponsorCentre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM)
Drug classPositron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaCardiovascular
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

N-13 ammonia is taken up by myocardial cells via the glutamate-glutamine cycle and becomes trapped intracellularly, with uptake correlating to regional myocardial blood flow. The positron emissions are detected by PET imaging to create maps of myocardial perfusion, allowing assessment of coronary artery disease, viability, and ischemia. This enables non-invasive evaluation of cardiac function and blood flow distribution.

Approved indications

Common side effects

No common side effects on file.

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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

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