Current MRI have limited sensitivity and even the most expensive MRI scanners (with the strongest magnets) cannot detect and visualize molecular and metabolic activity in the heart with sufficient sensitivity and specificity.

Emerging hyperpolarized MRI techniques increased the sensitivity of MRI by up to five orders of magnitude.

Above – The technique used in MetaboliQs is based on the hyperpolarization of marker molecules like pyruvate Foto: Dr. Christoph Nebel, Fraunhofer IAF

Unfortunately, the hyperpolarization process takes a very long time (90-180 minutes per procedure), it is extremely costly and cumbersome (over $2million initial cost, room size equipment) and requires temperatures colder than -270 degrees Celsius.