Voyageur Pharmaceuticals Ltd. has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Rain Cage Carbon Inc. (RCC), to enter into a development agreement for fullerene-based contrast agents. RCC, a carbon capture company located in Calgary, Alberta, has proven technology that removes CO2 and other pollutants from hydrocarbon exhaust streams. The CO2 is converted into oxygen and carbon and creates fullerene allotropes and nanotubes that can be applied to a wide variety of products to enhance strength, durability and, in the case of contrast materials, ease of delivery. A fullerene is an allotrope of carbon with atoms connected by single and double bonds to form a closed (or partly closed) mesh that can potentially act as a versatile delivery system for a wide range of biomedical applications.

The new innovative mineral based radiographic drugs that Voyageur & RCC will be focused on patenting include iodine, gadolinium, and iron oxide-based fullerene contrast agents. The I2 molecules for X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging and the Fe2O3 and Gd ions can be used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Nuclear imaging will be explored as Voyageur and RCC create the research and development pathway for these new and novel drugs.