After the FDA approval for Vasovit for adults whose pelvic arteries have narrowed or got blocked, Epix Pharmaceuticals Inc. is on the high. The value of its shares nearly tripled. Epix shares surged 85 cents to $1.17. Over the past year, Epix shares have ranged between 21 cents and $4.41.

The FDA had refused approval for Vasovist as an imaging agent for diagnosing vascular diseases in 2006. According to the present decision, Vasovist can now be marketed in the United States for use in evaluating aortoiliac occlusive disease in adults with known or suspected peripheral vascular disease.
The disease may prevent the sufficient transport of oxygen and/or blood throughout the body.

Vasovist is used in magnetic resonance angiography blood vessel imaging. It was given approval for testing of aortoiliac occlusive disease which is characterized by narrowing of the arteries that pass through the pelvis, in patients who have or may have peripheral vascular disease.

According to Epix, Vasovist is the first contrast agent approved for use with magnetic resonance angiography. It has also been approved in 34 other countries, including the European Union nations.