The pre-clinical study of small animals is a vital stage in the discovery and development of new drugs and in investigating biological processes and mechanisms at all levels, from molecular to whole body. With the appearance of dedicated imaging systems for small animals, researchers can more easily and effectively monitor disease processes, and better understand the effects of new drug treatments. The main advantages of most imaging systems are that they enable the researcher to observe the animal in-vivo with high resolution, in real time, continuously and non-invasively.

Using MRI equipment for pre-clinical imaging significantly improves the drug discovery process, providing new continuous information and shortening the development period, thus providing bio-medical and economic advantages. Unlike other imaging modalities, MRI enables monitoring the same animal over time. With MR specific contrast agents, researchers can monitor events in-vivo and in-vitro at the molecular level. Improving the quality of the research is expected to shorten discovery and development time and lower the overall R&D costs associated with new drugs. Understanding new biological events and mechanisms can push forward our knowledge and offer new diagnosis and treatment options.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging has high spatial resolution, high sensitivity, 3D imaging capability and non-ionizing radiation. It can image objects at any selected plane and has superior performance in soft tissues. The properties of MRI are core to any pre-clinical study, covering many research fields and providing high quality, non-invasive quantitative and visual information not achievable by any other technology.

Aspect is now offering a new MRI system designed and developed specifically for pre-clinical applications and to accommodate today's demanding user needs. The system innovative features provide clear advantages in many aspects: performance, cost, operation, maintenance, mobility and simplicity.