Bracco Imaging's VUEWAY® Injection Gains Health Canada Approval for MRI Use

Bracco Imaging's Landmark Approval for VUEWAY® Injection

On April 17, 2026, Bracco Imaging, a leader in the field of diagnostic imaging, celebrated a significant milestone with the approval of VUEWAY® injection (gadopiclenol) by Health Canada. This macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) has been developed specifically for use in contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI). The introduction of VUEWAY® is poised to revolutionize the way healthcare providers approach MRI procedures by ensuring lower doses of contrast media while preserving high-quality imaging results.

VUEWAY® injection is notable for being the most kinetically stable macrocyclic GBCA available, exhibiting the highest longitudinal relaxivity (r1) values among other macrocyclic agents approved globally. Clinical studies have demonstrated that VUEWAY® is effective at a dose of just 0.05 mmol/kg, which is significantly lower than the 0.1 mmol/kg dosage typically associated with other GBCAs. This halving of the required dose has the potential to greatly reduce gadolinium exposure for patients, aligning with recommendations from radiology societies aiming to promote the use of the lowest effective doses in medical imaging.

Dr. Kate Hanneman, a radiologist and Deputy Lead for Sustainability at the Joint Department of Medical Imaging at the University of Toronto, emphasized the dual importance of this approval: “Reducing gadolinium exposure is not only a clinical priority but increasingly an environmental one,” she stated. With high-relaxivity agents like VUEWAY® capable of delivering diagnostic confidence at just half the standard dose, Canadian patients can expect enhanced safety in their medical imaging procedures.

The approval of VUEWAY® injection comes after similar successes in other significant markets, including the United States in 2022 and the European Union in 2023. VUEWAY® is now approved in 37 countries worldwide, with over 4 million doses administered, establishing Bracco Imaging’s robust presence in the MRI landscape. According to Mr. Patrice Plourde, Sr. Director of Sales and Marketing at Bracco Imaging Canada, this approval marks an essential step in Contrast Enhancement MRI procedures, particularly for vulnerable populations, including children and adults who rely on frequent MRI scans for monitoring disease progression.

VUEWAY® is indicated for adults and children over two years old, addressing various imaging needs, such as detecting lesions in the Central Nervous System, head and neck, torso, abdomen, pelvis, and musculoskeletal system. This wide applicability showcases the agent’s versatility in clinical practice, enabling healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive diagnostic services with reduced patient risk.

Additionally, VUEWAY® represents Bracco’s commitment to sustainability, as the company aims to adhere to the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle by minimizing exposure without compromising diagnostic efficacy. As Bracco Imaging continues to push boundaries in diagnostic innovations, this achievement reinforces their goal of elevating the standard of care in the Canadian medical landscape.

Gadopiclenol, the active agent in VUEWAY®, benefits from a collaborative effort between Bracco Imaging and Guerbet, which began in December 2021. This partnership focuses on the manufacturing and research of gadopiclenol, allowing for efficient delivery of this contrast agent to healthcare providers and ensuring that patients benefit from high-quality MRI procedures.

As Bracco Imaging continues to develop advanced medical imaging solutions, the approval of VUEWAY® injection is expected to lead to better care for patients and healthcare professionals alike, marking an important chapter in the evolution of diagnostic imaging.

In conclusion, the approval of VUEWAY® injection by Health Canada not only reflects Bracco Imaging’s dedication to advancing medical technology but also underscores the importance of patient safety and environmental considerations in medical imaging today.