FDA Approves F-18 Flurpiridaz, Nuclear Cardiology’s First New Radiotracer in Nearly 3 Decades

Message from ASNC’s President

Lawrence Phillips, MD, MASNC

Dear Colleagues,

On Friday, Sept. 27, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its approval of F-18 flurpiridaz (Flyrcado) for use in adult patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease to evaluate for myocardial ischemia and infarction. This is news the field has been eagerly awaiting since the results of the AURORA trial (International Study to Evaluate Diagnostic Efficacy of Flurpiridaz [18F] Injection PET MPI in the Detection of Coronary Artery Disease) were published in October 2023.

Flurpiridaz is the first new perfusion radiopharmaceutical approved by the FDA in nearly 30 years. Its benefits include higher myocardial extraction and a longer half-life than all currently available PET perfusion radiopharmaceuticals, an advantage that will allow unit dosing, which we predict will expand patients’ access to cardiac PET imaging.

The availability of F18-flurpiridaz adds an important new tool to nuclear cardiology’s already robust armamentarium while helping to usher in an exciting new era for our field. There are many more innovations and advancements on the horizon. ASNC is committed to keeping you current and providing context about what new developments mean for our labs, our field, and our patients. I encourage you to view ASNC’s upcoming programs and make plans to participate. Stay tuned for updates.

Best regards,

Lawrence Phillips, MD, MASNC
ASNC President

ASNC Leaders Featured in F-18 Flurpiridaz FDA Approval Press Coverage

ASNC leaders and educational program faculty were among those interviewed by journalists from AuntMinnie.com, Cardiology Today/Healio, Cardiovascular Business, DotMed, and HealthCareBusiness.

Read Dr. Phillips interview with TCTMD here.