Glasgow firms help researchers into Alzheimer’s take a leap forward with new scanner technology

Glasgow-based companies MR CoilTech and Wideblue are collaborating with the University of Glasgow on developing advanced MRI scanning technology that has the potential to enhance research into the understanding and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

A new range of monoclonal antibody drugs have been introduced that are intended to slow the progress of the disease by targeting clumps of the protein beta-amyloid which form plaques in the patient’s brain, a characteristic sign of Alzheimer’s disease. The new head coil MRI scanner technology may provide super-fine resolution images that can potentially identify these plaques and track effectiveness of treatment. The technology could monitor the progress of patients taking these drugs, identify side effects and provide data on which patients could potentially benefit the most from these medications.

The University of Glasgow developed the first prototype of the head coil and Wideblue, a medical device product consultancy, has worked on design modifications to make it more comfortable for patient use. MR CoilTech is now responsible for commercialisation and manufacturing of the device. Grant funding for the application to Alzheimer’s disease has recently been provided by Innovate UK and InnoSuisse. Other project partners include: medical imaging specialist Gold Standard Phantoms, which provides calibration products; Zurich-based MRI innovation company Skope AG; and Hopital Universitaire de Geneve.

Wideblue head of commercial and innovation Dr Euan McBrearty commented: “This project aims to develop advanced new MR brain imaging equipment to provide much more data on the composition of the brain by providing unprecedented levels of detail.

“The hardware and software tools developed in this project have a clear purpose: to advance research in this field, enhance our understanding of the disease and enable early detection. By allowing the safe use of new drugs that slow disease progression, the project directly contributes to improving patients’ wellbeing.”

Picture: MR CoilTech and Wideblue are among the partners collaborating on MR brain imaging equipment to better study Alzheimer’s disease.

Read this report on page 21 of the June 2026 issue of RAD Magazine.