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Data updated: May 26, 2026

CARDIOLITE (technetium tc-99m sestamibi kit)

Cardiovascular Approved 1990-12-21

Cardiolite is a myocardial perfusion imaging agent indicated for the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) by localizing myocardial ischemia (reversible defects) and infarction (non-reversible defects). It is used to evaluate myocardial function and guide patient management decisions. Additionally, it is indicated for breast imaging as a second-line diagnostic tool following mammography to evaluate suspicious lesions or palpable masses. It is important to note that it is not indicated for breast cancer screening, to confirm the presence or absence of malignancy, or as an alternative to biopsy.

Source: FDA Label • SHINE

How CARDIOLITE Works

Technetium Tc-99m Sestamibi is a cationic complex that accumulates in viable myocardial tissue in a manner proportional to regional blood flow. Cellular retention is thought to occur specifically within the mitochondria via electrostatic interactions, allowing clinicians to distinguish healthy, viable muscle from ischemic or infarcted areas. While used in breast imaging, the specific mechanism of localization in various types of breast tissue has not been established.

5
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
35
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
1990-12-21
Routes
INJECTION
Dosage Forms
INJECTABLE

Companies

Active Ingredient: TECHNETIUM TC-99M SESTAMIBI KIT

CARDIOLITE Approval History

1991
1992
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1995
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2000
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Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
18 FDA actions from 1990 to 2019 · 4 indication expansions
Dec 2019 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Apr 2008 SUPPL
Efficacy
Jan 2002 SUPPL
Label · Labeling

What CARDIOLITE Treats

4 indications

CARDIOLITE is approved for 4 conditions since its original approval in 1990. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Coronary Artery Disease
  • Myocardial Ischemia
  • Myocardial Infarction
  • Breast Lesions
Source: FDA Label

CARDIOLITE Competitive Set

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Drugs Similar to CARDIOLITE

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Active Pipeline

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Key Completed Trials

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Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

CARDIOLITE FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

CARDIOLITE is indicated for the treatment of Coronary Artery Disease; Myocardial Ischemia; Myocardial Infarction; Breast Lesions.

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.