The uExplorer total-body PET/CT system developed by United Imaging, a Jiading-based medical product company [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]

United Imaging, a Jiading-based medical product company, and Renji Hospital affiliated with the School of Medicine of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, a leading hospital in Shanghai, recently agreed to co-build a research center for molecular imaging, local media reported.

This will be the first research center in China built around cross-border cooperation involving industry, universities, research, and health.

The research center will be headed by Tan Weihong, a professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He will team up with professionals from the departments of nuclear medicine and radiology at Renji Hospital and focus on clinical practices and scientific research in areas such as the diagnosis and treatment of tumors, pharmacokinetic studies, and the clinical evaluation of targeted drugs.

Sophisticated molecular imaging and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) equipment will also be available at the center, including the world's first positron emission tomography (PET) / computed tomography (CT) equipment featuring panoramic and dynamic imaging capabilities.

These new devices were breakthroughs in traditional medical imaging technology and make accurate diagnosis and visualized treatment possible by integrating real-time representations of anatomy, functions, metabolism, and molecules.

The center will also focus on the early prevention and diagnosis of diseases with the goal of making treatment more personalized and targeted.

Wang Yu, deputy director of the hospital, said the two sides will work together to set up labs and research teams. Advanced technologies involving big data and artificial intelligence will also be used in related cutting-edge fields.

"I believe advanced technologies and devices will help the center carry out innovative research in cutting-edge fields," Wang said.