Radiopharmaceutical company Cyclopharm (ASX: CYC) has signed a contract to deploy its flagship product Technegas in as many as 169 nuclear medicine departments across the Hospital Corporation of America Healthcare (HCA) suite of facilities.

The three-year contract marks a significant milestone for the company, as HCA operates one of the most comprehensive medical networks in the US.

Technegas is already the preferred agent of choice in 65 countries outside the US for diagnosing lung conditions including pulmonary embolism, hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Enhanced efficiency

HCA’s operations encompass more than 180 hospitals and approximately 2,400 sites of care across 20 American states.

The deal’s broad-based format will allow it to bypass the need for individual site contract negotiations and enhance the efficiency of deployment.

It also clears the way for discussions with HCA-affiliated company HealthTrust Purchasing Group, which serves as the contracting and purchasing arm for an additional network of more than 1,800 hospitals across the US.

Commercial demand

Cyclopharm chief executive officer James McBrayer said the new contract reflected commercial demand for the company’s technology.

“We are thrilled to partner with HCA Healthcare to accelerate the availability of Technegas across the US,” he said.

“This agreement reinforces our commitment to improving outcomes for patients with respiratory conditions.”

Lung imaging

Technegas has been recognised worldwide for its ability to provide precise and reliable functional lung imaging.

The technology requires patients to inhale ultra-fine radioactive carbon particles via a breathing apparatus, which can then be detected by a single-photon emission computed tomography camera.

The resulting imagery provides physicians with unprecedented detail regarding a patient’s lung condition.

Technological forefront

Cyclopharm’s new contract will allow HCA facilities to be at the forefront of adopting advanced nuclear medicine technology, ensuring better diagnostic and therapeutic options for their patients.

“This agreement extends the footprint of Technegas in the US market and sets the stage for its broader adoption within HealthTrust’s extensive network,” Mr McBrayer said.

Cyclopharm will now begin to engage directly with individual HCA locations, clinical leaders and divisional directors to implement Technegas, prioritising sites that have already started preliminary discussions.