Bayer Enters Molecular Imaging Space with Acquisition of Two Amyloidosis Imaging Agents

Bayer is expanding its footprint in radiology with the acquisition of two investigational molecular imaging agents aimed at improving the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis, the company announced Monday.

The pharmaceutical giant has signed definitive agreements to acquire AT-01 and AT-05, two novel imaging tracers developed by Attralus Inc., a biopharmaceutical firm based in Naples, Florida. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Both imaging agents are designed to help clinicians detect cardiac amyloidosis, a serious and often fatal condition in which misfolded proteins accumulate in the heart muscle, impairing its ability to function properly. The disease is notoriously difficult to diagnose early, with limited treatment options available and an estimated 400,000 patients affected worldwide.

“With new therapies emerging for often insufficiently treated conditions such as cardiac amyloidosis, it becomes increasingly relevant to precisely detect and monitor diseases on the molecular level,” said Nelson Ambrogio, president of Bayer’s radiology division. “Leveraging our expertise in medical imaging, this acquisition supports our ambition to expand in the growing field of molecular imaging.”

AT-01, a PET imaging agent, is the first pan-amyloid tracer to receive Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for cardiac amyloidosis. It is currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials and has also been granted orphan drug designation in both the United States and European Union, which provides regulatory and financial incentives for the development of treatments for rare diseases.

AT-05, a SPECT-based imaging agent, is earlier in the development pipeline and currently in Phase 1 trials. While less advanced than AT-01, it represents a potentially complementary tool for broader diagnostic reach and may expand patient access to amyloid imaging technologies, Bayer said.

The move into molecular imaging is a strategic step for Bayer as it seeks to diversify its radiology portfolio. The global market for radiodiagnostic tracers was valued at about $3 billion in 2024 and is expected to experience substantial growth in the coming years as personalized medicine and targeted therapies become more prominent in clinical care.

“We are excited to finalize this agreement with Bayer, whose expertise and global footprint in radiology will help to accelerate the development and launch of AT-01 and AT-05,” said Glen Firestone, president of Attralus. “Bayer’s commitment to scientific rigor and patient impact makes them well-suited to bring these agents to clinicians and patients worldwide.”

With this acquisition, Bayer aims to be at the forefront of molecular imaging innovation, enabling earlier and more precise diagnosis of complex diseases like cardiac amyloidosis and potentially improving outcomes for thousands of patients who currently go undiagnosed.