Bracco invests nearly $86M to more than triple production of key imaging agent

Bracco is investing nearly $86 million (USD) to more than triple production and distribution of a key imaging agent, leaders announced Wednesday. 

The Milan, Italy-based company is working to erect a new manufacturing facility in Switzerland. Bracco said the new multifunction building will supply the entire globe with contrast for ultrasound, which uses microbubbles to allow for real-time diagnosis. 

Contrast-enhanced US is a highly sensitive, noninvasive method that avoids radiation, the company noted. Its capable of enhancing visibility of heart cavities, blood vessels and tissue vascularity, among other clinical concerns. Bracco believes microbubbles have “enormous” potential in the field of precision medicine, helping target therapies and optimize their impact. 

“With this ambitious project, which enables us to triple and expand our production lines, Bracco aims to become the global leader in the CEUS sector,” Vice Chairman and CEO  Fulvio Renoldi Bracco said in a statement. “We see the potential of this modality as a complement to X-ray, magnetic resonance and PET/SPECT to help health systems deliver more efficient care to their patients.”

Dubbed “Hexagon,” the new manufacturing facility is located next to a historic Bracco plant in Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland. Leaders said the four-story structure is characterized by contemporary design and built with the latest sustainability standards. Bracco recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony and other activities to commemorate the facility. 

Founded in Milan in 1927, Bracco now operates across 100 countries with over 3,800 employees and total consolidated revenues of $1.93 billion (USD). About 88% of that tally comes from international sales, the company noted.  Bracco also has invested an average of nearly $14.3 million each year into research and development over the last decade, employing a team of 45 scientists and holding more than 2,600 patents.