Imaging science is an emerging field that impacts various biomedical research areas, such as neurology, oncology, cardiology, immunology and infectious diseases. Non-invasive imaging methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), allow the direct in vivo quantification of functional processes and metabolic rates in animal models using target- or disease-specific biomarkers.

 

In addition to the contributions of non-invasive imaging to academic research, the pharmaceutical industry also profits from these tools. Imaging can accelerate drug and biomarker development by yielding more reliable in vivo results and enabling cost-effective study designs while simultaneously requiring fewer animals. Consequently, the pharmaceutical industry can more rapidly advance products to the market and positively impact animal protection. Equally important, preclinical imaging allows an easy translation of results from the laboratory bench to the clinics.