Philips initiates consortium for new medical imaging technology

Philips has initiated a public-private consortium that is intended to help further the development of innovative new technology in the field of medical imaging.

The partnership is based in Germany and includes companies such as Bruker and Bayer HealthCare, as well as a number of universities and research organisations, while the German federal ministry of education and research will provide more than half of the planned 20.3 million euro (17.5 million pounds) budget.

It aims to advance the development of whole-body magnetic particle imaging (MPI) systems, as well as preclinical hybrid models that combine MPI with magnetic resonance imaging technology.

The consortium will initially be looking to explore the applications of this technology in the fields of functional cardiovascular measurements and image guidance of cardiovascular interventions.

Michael Kuhn, vice-president for technology strategy at Philips Healthcare, said: "Realising the full potential of MPI to help in elucidating the processes associated with disease requires an integrated approach and a collaborative effort."

Earlier this month, Philips allied with Definiens on the development of a new digital pathology system for use in cancer diagnosis applications.