Corporate News

Polarean Imaging plc (AIM: POLX), a commercial-stage medical imaging technology leader in advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging ("MRI") of lung function, announces that Bastiaan Driehuys, PhD, has received a 2025 American Thoracic Society (“ATS”) Respiratory Health Award for his translational work in bringing Xenon MRI from the bench to the clinic. Dr. Driehuys has been presented with ATS’s Research Innovation and Translation Achievement Award for his exemplary accomplishments in respiratory health based on his work at Duke University Medical Center.

Dr. Driehuys invented hyperpolarised gas MRI while completing his Doctorate in Atomic Physics at Princeton University, and co-founded Polarean. He and his team developed the underlying technology of Xenon-129 hyperpolarisation, as well as novel MR image acquisition, reconstruction, and analysis strategies and how to apply them to problems in pulmonary medicine. He currently holds the position of Chief Scientific Officer at Polarean. Much of Dr. Driehuys’ work resulted in the core Xenon MRI technology being commercialised by Polarean. His later work on utilising Xenon MRI for the study of gas exchange and cardiopulmonary indications while at Duke are exclusively licensed to Polarean.

Bastiaan Driehuys, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer of Polarean said: “I am deeply honoured to receive the 2025 Research Innovation and Translation Achievement Award. This recognition reflects the dedication of an incredible community of interdisciplinary scientists and physicians who have advanced Xenon MRI into a transformative tool for 3D assessment of pulmonary function. I’m excited to continue working with my ATS colleagues to bring this technology to bear on improving the care of patients worldwide.”

Christopher von Jako, PhD, CEO of Polarean, added: “We were delighted to learn that Dr. Driehuys has been recognised by the American Thoracic Society for his groundbreaking contributions to pulmonary imaging. His work is not only advancing the science—it is directly benefiting patients by enabling earlier detection, improved treatment planning, and better outcomes for those with serious respiratory conditions. Bastiaan is a vital part of our team at Polarean, and we are proud to see his impact acknowledged with such a prestigious award. Honours like this reflect the highest standards in science and clinical care, and we look forward to continuing to build on his expertise to transform respiratory health.”

 

Enquiries:

Polarean Imaging plc			www.polarean.com / www.polarean-ir.com
Christopher von Jako, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer			Via Walbrook PR
Charles Osborne, Chief Financial Officer
Stifel (NOMAD and Sole Corporate Broker)				+44 (0)20 7710 7600
Nicholas Moore / Nick Harland / Ben Good
Walbrook PR	Tel: +44 (0)20 7933 8780 or polarean@walbrookpr.com
Anna Dunphy / Paul McManus / Marcus Ulker

 

About Polarean

Polarean is a revenue-generating medical imaging technology company revolutionising pulmonary medicine through direct visualisation of lung function by introducing the power and safety of MRI to the respiratory healthcare community. This community is in desperate need of modern solutions to accurately assess lung function. The Company strives to optimise lung health and prevent avoidable loss by illuminating hidden disease, addressing the global unmet medical needs of more than 500 million patients worldwide suffering from chronic respiratory disease. Polarean is a leader in the field of hyperpolarisation science and has successfully developed the first and only hyperpolarised Xenon MRI inhaled contrast agent, XENOVIEW®, which is now FDA-approved in the United States. Polarean is dedicated to researching, developing, and commercialising innovative imaging solutions with its non-invasive and radiation-free pulmonary functional MRI platform. This comprehensive drug-device platform encompasses the proprietary Xenon gas blend, gas hyperpolarisation system, as well as software and accessories, facilitating fully integrated modern respiratory imaging operations. Founded in 2012, with offices in Durham, NC, and London, United Kingdom, Polarean is committed to increasing global awareness of and broad access to its XENOVIEW MRI technology platform. For the latest news and information about Polarean, please visit www.polarean.com.

XENOVIEW IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION 

Indication

XENOVIEW®, prepared from the Xenon Xe 129 Gas Blend, is a hyperpolarized contrast agent indicated for use with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaluation of lung ventilation in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older.

Limitations of Use

XENOVIEW has not been evaluated for use with lung perfusion imaging.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

None.

Warnings and Precautions

Risk of Decreased Image Quality from Supplemental Oxygen: Supplemental oxygen administered simultaneously with XENOVIEW inhalation can cause degradation of image quality. For patients on supplemental oxygen, withhold oxygen inhalation for two breaths prior to XENOVIEW inhalation, and resume oxygen inhalation immediately following the imaging breath hold.

Risk of Transient Hypoxia: Inhalation of an anoxic gas such as XENOVIEW may cause transient hypoxemia in susceptible patients. Monitor all patients for oxygen desaturation and symptoms of hypoxemia and treat as clinically indicated.

Adverse Reactions 

Adverse Reactions in Adult Patients: The adverse reactions (> one patient) in efficacy trials were oropharyngeal pain, headache, and dizziness.  Adverse Reactions in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients: In published literature in pediatric patients aged 6 to 18, transient adverse reactions were reported: blood oxygen desaturation, heart rate elevation, numbness, tingling, dizziness, and euphoria. In at least one published study of pediatric patients aged 6 to 18 years, transient decrease in SpO2% and transient increase in heart rate was reported following hyperpolarized xenon Xe 129 administration. XENOVIEW is currently not approved for use in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age.

Please see full prescribing information at www.XENOVIEW.net