Bayer unveils Centafore imaging core lab

Industry giant leverages decades of internal expertise to offer specialized imaging services for clinical trials

In a move that expands its footprint in the clinical research space and capitalizes on a growing market, Bayer has launched Centafore, a specialized imaging contract research organization. Centafore will support clinical trials and software as a medical device development across the healthcare industry. According to Markets and Markets, the global clinical trial imaging market is projected to reach $2.07B by 2029.

Centafore emerges from Bayer's extensive experience supporting over 200 clinical trials globally. It will provide comprehensive imaging services spanning the entire study cycle from concept to completion, supporting research initiatives from early development through Phase IV trials.

"Centafore represents a significant leap forward in our commitment to enhancing the landscape of clinical trial imaging and advancing the development of new medicines and healthcare solutions," said Nelson Ambrogio, president of radiology at Bayer, in the statement.

Imaging expertise and growth

Centafore offers technology and services for image management, processing, and interpretation across multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology, cardiovascular, CNS, dermatology, women's health, pediatrics, and digital health. With a network of experienced imaging professionals including board-certified radiologists, Centafore can support studies across more than 50 countries.

The above-mentioned projected growth of the clinical trial imaging market is largely based on its role for clinical trials and regulatory decision making. In the FDA's Table of Surrogate Endpoints chart, updated December 2024, imaging-based surrogate endpoints include amyloid beta plaque reduction measured by amyloid PET imaging - Used in Alzheimer's Disease treatments, notably for the accelerated approval of aducanumab (Aduhelm) in 2021.

A scan of other potential imaging-based surrogate endpoints include:

• Tumor response measurements for oncology treatments
• Plaque reduction imaging for cardiovascular interventions
• Bone density assessments for orthopedic treatments
• Synaptic density imaging (such as SV2A PET) for therapies targeting synaptic plasticity

According to section 507(e)(9) of the FD&C Act, "the term 'surrogate endpoint' means a marker, such as a laboratory measurement, radiographic image, physical sign, or other measure, that is not itself a direct measurement of clinical benefit..."

Bayer first presented its Imaging Core Lab Services at European Congress of Radiology in 2024 and has already established collaborations with organizations such as OBIO® and Luxsonic Technologies.

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