Biospective, a provider of imaging and histopathology services, has enhanced its diffusion MRI capabilities through an alliance with Imeka Solutions, a spin-out of the Université de Sherbrooke.

Biospective will incorporate Imeka’s state-of-the-art diffusion image processing into its PIANO and NIGHTWING software packages to provide a solution for analysis of diffusion MRI data for animal and human studies. This will provide sponsors with a one-stop shop for multi-modality MRI (diffusion, anatomical, ASL perfusion, BOLD fMRI, MRS) and PET (Amyloid, FDG) studies. The capacity of Biospective and Imeka to support both preclinical imaging studies and multi-center human clinical trials will facilitate translational studies.   

“The combined strengths of the Biospective and Imeka teams will provide sponsors with a best-in-class solution for diffusion imaging studies across a broad range of therapeutic areas, ranging from neurodevelopmental disorders (autism, ADHD, MPS) to neurodegenerative (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS, ALS) and psychiatric (schizophrenia, depression) diseases,” said Alan Evans, Ph.D., founder of Biospective, and James McGill, professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery at the Montreal Neurological Institute.  

Biospective and Imeka already have successfully worked together on several sponsored studies. Further, they recently have engaged in joint R&D activities to analyze diffusion MRI data from several publicly-available databases, including the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) and the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI).