
Bracco Imaging S.p.A. is a worldwide provider of diagnostic imaging solutions.
Established in 1985 under the name Dibra Interchemical S.r.l. and incorporated in 1986 as Dibra S.p.A., the Company changed its name into Bracco Imaging S.p.A. in 2001 as an incorporated company controlled by Bracco S.p.A., the holding company of a multinational group active in the Healthcare Business founded in 1927.
Prior to that, all operations related to imaging agents were managed by Bracco without any dedicated company.
Bracco established its presence on the market thanks to the launch of Iopamidol in 1981, first and most widespread non-ionic contrast agent for X-Ray and CT procedures. Following the success met by Iopamidol, Bracco engaged into a path of international expansion that led it to gain role in X-Ray/CT within the main geographical areas around the world.
Bracco extended the range of its offer over the years, thanks to acquisitions and strong innovation capabilities, entering the MRI market with ProHance® (gadoteridol) and MultiHance® (gadobenate dimeglumine), consolidating its leadership in X-Ray/CT with Iomeprol and entering the Nuclear Medicine segment, with a leading position in fast growing niche areas of PET Cardiology and Hepatobiliary Imaging. And it continues to devote considerable effort and substantial resources to create and develop innovative products and solutions addressing unmet or poorly met medical needs.
In 2001 Bracco Imaging entered the innovative area of Contrast Ultrasound with the launch of SonoVue®, an ultrasound contrast agent consisting of microbubbles filled with Sulphur hexafluoride and stabilized by a flexible phospholipid shell.
Since the Nineties, the Company has begun a globalization process. Bracco Imaging today operates in over 90 markets worldwide, either directly or indirectly through subsidiaries, joint ventures, licenses and distribution partnership agreements.
Moreover, Bracco Imaging's portfolio was broadened in 2008 with the acquisition of E-Z-EM, Inc., a major manufacturer of contrast media and medical devices for gastrointestinal (GI) radiology and in 2011 with the acquisition of Swiss Medical Care, now Bracco Injeenering, which allowed Bracco to strengthen its portfolio of automated systems for the administration of contrast media.