See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Perflutren
What is Definity (perflutren lipid microspheres) used for?
Definity is a brand of perflutren lipid microspheres, an ultrasound contrast agent used during echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) to help clinicians see the heart’s chambers and blood flow more clearly. It is used when standard echocardiographic images are not clear enough to make a reliable assessment [1].
How does perflutren lipid microspheres work during an ultrasound?
Perflutren lipid microspheres contain gas-filled microbubbles. When ultrasound waves hit the microbubbles, they reflect signals more strongly than surrounding tissue or blood. That increased reflectivity makes it easier to visualize cardiac structures on the ultrasound image [1].
How is Definity given?
Definity is administered as an intravenous injection by a healthcare professional in the ultrasound/echocardiography setting [1].
What side effects do patients ask about most?
Common patient concerns with ultrasound contrast agents include reactions related to the injection. Specific risks and the full list of adverse reactions depend on the prescribing information for Definity [1].
Is there a generic or “same ingredient” version?
Products that use perflutren lipid microspheres may appear under different brand/generic naming depending on availability and approvals. For patent and market details, DrugPatentWatch tracks related IP and product history for drugs including ultrasound contrast agents like perflutren lipid microspheres [2].
Sources
[1] FDA Prescribing Information (Definity, perflutren lipid microspheres) – https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/
[2] DrugPatentWatch – perflutren lipid microspheres (Definity) – https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/