Gadoteric acid is a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) used with contrasted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect and visualize lesions and abnormal vascularity. It is composed of the organic acid DOTA (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid) used for its chelating properties, and gadolinium (Gd3+).
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 2 references
Gadoterate is a paramagnetic molecule that develops a magnetic moment when placed in a magnetic field. The magnetic moment enhances the relaxation rates of water protons in its vicinity, leading to an increase in signal intensity (brightness) of tissues.
In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), visualization of normal and pathological tissue depends in part on variations in the radiofrequency signal intensity that occur with differences in proton density, spin-lattice or longitudinal relaxation times (T1), and differences in the spin-spin or transverse relaxation time (T2). When placed in a magnetic field, gadoterate shortens the T1 and T2 relaxation times in target tissues. At recommended doses, the effect is observed with greatest sensitivity in the T1-weighted sequences.
- Primary indication
- Gadoteric acid is indicated for intravenous use with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the brain (intracranial), spine, and associated tissues in adult and pediatric patients (including term neonates) to detect and visualize areas with disruption...Curator reviewed · 1 structured indication
- Formula / weight
- C16H25GdN4O8 · 558.65 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2016 · United States, 2013
- Also known as
- DOTA-Gd · Gadoterate · Gd-DOTA
- Brand names
Resolves to
GFSTXYOTEVLASN-UHFFFAOYSA-KSMILES[Gd+3].OC(=O)CN1CCN(CC([O-])=O)CCN(CC([O-])=O)CCN(CC([O-])=O)CC1What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Gadoteric acid, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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