GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (August 3, 2023) – BAMF Health is collaborating with the University of Michigan on an important pilot clinical trial for hypertension. This trial investigates a common cause of hypertension, which impacts over 70 million Americans. The study, titled “Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging of Cholesterol Trafficking: Clinical Evaluation of [18F]FNP-59,” aims to develop a non-invasive diagnostic test for Conn’s syndrome using molecular imaging. This will allow fast and accurate diagnosis and better-informed treatment selection, which could decrease potential discomfort caused by conventional procedures. Generously supported by a grant from the University of Michigan Health-West Foundation and Lake Michigan Credit Union, this ground-breaking pilot study will enroll twenty patients. These clinical trial participants will be scanned on BAMF Health’s total body PET/CT, one of the most advanced scanners in the world.
Many people with high blood pressure may have a disease called primary aldosteronism, also referred to as Conn’s syndrome. Conn’s syndrome is the cause of high blood pressure in 10-15% of people with elevated blood pressure. Many do not respond well to regular treatment. If not correctly treated, there is a significantly increased risk of severe cardiovascular disease, including heart failure and stroke. Despite how common Conn’s syndrome is, diagnosis usually requires a technically challenging and invasive procedure.
“Molecular imaging technology can impact many diseases beyond cancer,” said Dr. Anthony Chang, Founder and CEO of BAMF Health. “This research, if successful, will allow us to efficiently and effectively diagnose and treat patients impacted by high blood pressure. We are excited about this pilot study with University of Michigan researchers, and we are grateful for the support of both Lake Michigan Credit Union and University of Michigan Health-West Foundation as we continue to advance medicine together with local community partners.”
“We are proud to support BAMF Health and its vital research into the causes of hypertension. Our Foundation serves as an activator and incubator for healthcare advancement, and this is another example of their approach to collaboration for the greater good,” said Dr. Peter Hahn, president and CEO of the University of Michigan Health-West. “The groundbreaking work being accomplished by the BAMF Health team has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of millions of Americans who suffer from high blood pressure, and we are proud to be part of this important initiative.”
“Lake Michigan Credit Union has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with the University of Michigan Health West and the University of Michigan Health-West Foundation,” shared Matt Cook, LMCU’s Vice President of Community Relations. “We are elated to partner with the Foundation and BAMF Health to provide cutting-edge research and care right here in Grand Rapids. This collaboration is a fantastic opportunity investing in innovation and supporting the community.”
BAMF’s unique clinical trial platform is purpose-built to conduct high-quality clinical trials and life-saving research quickly. BAMF Health continues to deliver on its promise to benefit patients in Michigan and beyond. “While we are located within the MSU Grand Rapids Innovation Park, it is truly great to partner with the University of Michigan on this community-supported research,” said Dr. Brandon Mancini, MD, MBA, FACRO, Medical Director at BAMF Health. “Rivalries are set aside when it comes to health care research and advancing patient care.”
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About BAMF Health
BAMF Health is a world leader in using molecular imaging and non-invasive molecular therapy to diagnose and effectively treat cancer. Currently, BAMF is treating late-stage prostate and neuroendocrine cancer patients. Additionally, BAMF’s technology can provide advanced screening, staging, and monitoring for cancers including breast, lung, colon/rectal, lymphoma, melanoma, multiple myeloma, brain and ovarian cancers. Ultimately, BAMF will apply its advanced technology and precision medicine platform to a wide range of cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, heart disease, endometriosis, chronic pain, and other conditions.
If you or someone you love has cancer, BAMF Health can help. Visit www.bamfhealth.com/patients to learn more.
About University of Michigan Health-West
University of Michigan Health-West is a nonprofit multispecialty medical provider that is relentlessly advancing health to serve West Michigan as part of the state’s top-ranked health system. Founded in Grand Rapids in 1942 by a group of osteopathic doctors, our organization today serves more than 250,000 patients annually at 30 locations across four counties, including a 208-bed teaching hospital in Wyoming, Michigan. More than 61,000 emergency patients are treated each year at the hospital, a Verified Level II Trauma Center, certified Comprehensive Stroke Center and accredited Chest Pain Center. Our physician-led medical group, University of Michigan Health Partners, drives excellence and convenient access to primary and specialty care, including the expertise of University of Michigan Health, consistently ranked among the nation’s top academic medical centers. In addition to earning top grades for safety and quality, University of Michigan Health-West is consistently recognized as a leader in the use of technology and as an inclusive employer of choice. It supports the health and wellness of all in the community, offering free Live Healthy education programs as well as outreach clinics to underserved areas. Learn more at www.uofmhealthwest.org.
About Lake Michigan Credit Union
Lake Michigan Credit Union, established in 1933, is the largest credit union in Michigan and 15th largest in the country. Employing a staff of over 1,600 and serving over 560,000 members, LMCU’s assets exceed $12 billion, with a mortgage servicing portfolio of over $14.3 billion. LMCU has 68 convenient branch locations overall, including 20 across Central and Southwest Florida. LMCU provides a full range of financial services, from high interest-bearing checking accounts to personal loans, mortgages, investments, and commercial banking. LMCU is dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities we serve through donations, sponsorships and volunteerism. To learn more, visit www.lmcu.org.
