What Bracco does

Bracco is a family-owned Italian diagnostic imaging company founded in 1927 and headquartered in Milan. The company develops, manufactures, and markets an integrated portfolio of contrast agents, medical devices, and digital health solutions across five imaging modalities: X-ray/CT, MRI, Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS), Molecular Imaging, and Cardiovascular. Its product range spans gadolinium-based MRI agents (VUEWAY/gadopiclenol, MultiHance, ProHance), iodinated CT agents (Iomeron, Iopamiro), microbubble ultrasound agents (SonoVue/Lumason), radiopharmaceuticals (Choletec, Kinevac, CardioGen-82), contrast injectors (EmpowerCTA+, EmpowerMR, Max 3, ACIST CVi/Pro), and emerging AI-augmented software (AiMIFY, HeartSee). The company also operates BubbleGen, a bead-free lipid-based microbubble platform for cell therapy manufacturing. Approximately 4,000 employees serve 90+ markets, supported by 11 innovation centers and a portfolio of over 2,500 active patents, with ~8% of revenue reinvested in R&D annually.

Revenue is generated through sales of contrast agents and other one-time consumable products, hardware sales of injectors and cardiovascular contrast management systems (ACIST CVi/Pro, HDi, RXi), and an emerging recurring stream from AI software (AiMIFY, HeartSee) and cell-therapy services. Bracco reaches hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, and clinical specialists through direct enterprise field sales with regional offices across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, complemented by channel partnerships (e.g., Shanghai Pharma in China, Canon Medical in CEUS, Ulrich GmbH for the Max 3 syringeless injector) and scientific-congress presence at ECR and RSNA. Primary customer segments are hospitals and diagnostic imaging centers, with secondary segments in radiologists/cardiologists and an emerging cell and gene therapy developer segment served by the BubbleGen platform.

Name

Bracco

Legal name

Bracco S.p.A.

Website

https://bracco.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1927

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Bracco is a family-owned Italian diagnostic imaging company that develops and markets contrast agents, contrast injectors, cardiovascular imaging devices, and AI-powered imaging software across X-ray/CT, MRI, ultrasound, molecular imaging, and cardiovascular modalities, serving hospitals, radiology centers, and clinical specialists in 90+ markets worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Diagnostic Imaging / Contrast Media

NAICS

Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing (334510), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345), Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing (3391)

SIC

Electromedical & Electrotherapeutic Apparatus (3845), Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841)

akta.pro primary industry

Contrast Media Injectors & Radiology Accessories (HLAHABAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Hemodynamic Monitoring & Cardiac Diagnostics (Cath Lab, FFR/IVUS/OCT) (HLAHAFAI), Non-Invasive Cardiac Imaging (Echo/CT/MRI/Nuclear) (HLAKABAE), Universal Viewers & Enterprise Imaging Access (Zero-footprint/Diagnostic) (HLACALAD), Portable, Mobile & Point-of-Care Imaging Systems (HLAHABAL)

Keywords

• Diagnostic imaging agents
• Contrast media
• Medical imaging devices
• Cardiovascular imaging
• Radiology solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Milan

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Contrast Agents: Development, manufacture, and marketing of contrast agents for X-ray/CT (iodine-based), MRI (gadolinium-based including VUEWAY), and CEUS (microbubble-based SonoVue), representing the core revenue stream.
2. Medical Devices and Injectors: Sale of medical devices including contrast injectors for CT/MRI (EmpowerCTA+, EmpowerMR, Max 3) and cardiovascular contrast management systems (ACIST CVi, ACIST Pro).
3. Digital Health and AI Software: AI-powered software solutions including AiMIFY for MRI contrast enhancement and HeartSee for cardiac PET imaging, representing an emerging digital health revenue stream.
4. Cell Therapy Manufacturing (emerging): Bead-free lipid-based microbubble technology for cell therapy manufacturing workflows, targeting cell and gene therapy developers with manufacturing services from GMP-compliant Geneva facility.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Bracco develops, manufactures, and markets an integrated portfolio of diagnostic imaging products including contrast agents for X-ray/CT (iodine-based), MRI (gadolinium-based including VUEWAY/gadopiclenol), and CEUS (microbubble-based SonoVue); medical devices such as contrast injectors (EmpowerCTA+, EmpowerMR, Max 3) and cardiovascular contrast management systems (ACIST CVi, ACIST Pro); and digital health software (AiMIFY AI-powered MRI enhancement, HeartSee cardiac PET). The company sells these products directly to hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, and healthcare providers globally.

Product overview

Bracco is a family-owned global leader in diagnostic imaging, offering an integrated portfolio of contrast agents, medical devices, and digital health solutions across multiple imaging modalities. The MRI portfolio includes VUEWAY (gadopiclenol), MultiHance, and ProHance contrast agents, along with EmpowerMR and Max 3 injectors. The X-ray/CT portfolio features iodinated contrast agents (Iomeron, Iopamiro), GI agents (Gastrografin, E-Z-HD), and injectors (EmpowerCTA+, CT Exprès, Protoco2l Touch). Ultrasound offerings include SonoVue/Lumason microbubble agent and VueBox quantification software. Cardiovascular solutions encompass ACIST CVi, ACIST HDi, ACIST RXi, and the newly launched ACIST Pro contrast management systems. Nuclear medicine/cardiology includes Choletec, Kinevac, CardioGen-82 radiopharmaceuticals, and HeartSee cardiac PET software. Digital health capabilities include AiMIFY AI-powered MRI enhancement software. The company is also expanding into cell therapy manufacturing with BubbleGen bead-free microbubble technology. Products are marketed under multiple brands globally, with recent launches including ACIST Pro cardiovascular system and expanded AI capabilities through partnerships with Subtle Medical and Avicenna.AI.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AiMIFY: AI-powered contrast enhancement software for brain MRI images, developed with Subtle Medical.
• VUEWAY (gadopiclenol)
• ACIST Pro
• Bracco Global Academy
• BubbleGen

Products and services

• VUEWAY (gadopiclenol) Macrocyclic gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent achieving effective imaging at half the standard dose (0.05 mmol/kg vs 0.1 mmol/kg), reducing gadolinium exposure. Approved in 37 countries with over 4 million patient doses administered worldwide.
• MultiHance Gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent for enhanced diagnostic imaging procedures.
• ProHance Gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent for clinical MRI imaging applications.
• AiMIFY AI-powered contrast enhancement software for brain MRI images, developed in collaboration with Subtle Medical. Improves image quality and enables contrast boosting, allowing hospitals to increase patient throughput while reducing contrast agent usage.
• SonoVue/Lumason Microbubble contrast agent for contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging, used in cardiology, oncology, and other diagnostic applications, providing long-lasting enhancement characteristics.
• VueBox Quantification software for contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging, enabling detailed analysis and measurement in CEUS procedures.
• ACIST CVi Variable-rate contrast management system for image-guided cardiovascular procedures, predecessor to ACIST Pro system.
• ACIST Pro Next-generation variable-rate contrast management solution for image-guided cardiovascular procedures. FDA cleared May 2026, CE Mark approved February 2026. Demonstrated clinical outcomes include 45ml average reduction in contrast use, 30% reduction in contrast-induced acute kidney injury, and 5 minutes saved per procedure.
• ACIST HDi High-definition intravascular ultrasound catheter for advanced cardiovascular imaging.
• ACIST RXi Advanced cardiovascular imaging system for cath lab procedures.
• Iomeron Iodinated CT contrast agent for X-ray and computed tomography imaging procedures.
• Iopamiro Iodinated contrast medium for CT and angiographic procedures.
• Gastrografin Oral/rectal iodinated contrast agent for gastrointestinal imaging studies.
• E-Z-HD Barium sulfate suspension for double-contrast gastrointestinal examinations.
• EmpowerCTA+ High-pressure CT contrast injector for standardized and precise contrast delivery in diagnostic imaging.
• CT Exprés CT contrast injection system for diagnostic imaging procedures.
• Protoco2l Touch Touch-screen controlled CT injection system for contrast administration.
• EmpowerMR MRI contrast injection system for magnetic resonance imaging procedures.
• Max 3 Syringeless MRI injector with FDA expanded indication for use with VUEWAY gadopiclenol injection. Supports multi-dose imaging bulk packages for enhanced workflow efficiency and sustainability.
• Choletec Technetium-based radiopharmaceutical for nuclear medicine imaging procedures.
• Kinevac Diagnostic agent for hepatobiliary imaging studies.
• CardioGen-82 Rubidium-82 generator for cardiac PET imaging to assess myocardial perfusion and coronary blood flow.
• HeartSee Cardiac PET imaging diagnostic software for assessing coronary artery disease and myocardial blood flow, with version 4.0 released in March 2025 adding new diagnostic features and improved data security.
• NEXO Advanced contrast management system for standardized delivery across imaging modalities.
• BubbleGen Bead-free lipid-based microbubble technology for cell therapy manufacturing, providing an alternative to traditional magnetic bead approaches for cell selection and activation. Reduces cellular stress and supports scalable, automated manufacturing workflows.

Quantifiable outcome

• 45ml average reduction in contrast use per procedure with ACIST Pro system
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NYU Langone HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 April 2026Multi-year Master Research Agreement combining Bracco Imaging's contrast imaging and diagnostic solutions expertise with NYU Langone Health's clinical and academic capabilities. Focus areas include MRI, photon-counting CT, targeted ultrasound, and AI-enabled PET/CT and MRI image analysis. Aims to accelerate translation of scientific discoveries into real-world healthcare applications and advance precision medicine.
• Canon Medical Systems EuropeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 March 2026Co-hosted scientific symposium on Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) at ECR 2026 in Vienna. The symposium titled 'Advancing CEUS in Radiology: Clinical Innovations, Faster Pathways, Higher Efficiency' brought together clinical experts to discuss CEUS clinical impact.
• Avicenna.AIcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 March 2026Strategic co-development and commercial partnership to advance AI applications in contrast-enhanced CT. Joint development aims to leverage Bracco's contrast imaging expertise with Avicenna.AI's AI capabilities. FDA submission for the new applications planned for the second half of 2026.
• Subtle MedicalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 March 2026Development collaboration for AiMIFY, an AI-powered contrast enhancement software for brain MRI images. AiMIFY received FDA clearance, CE Mark, and ANVISA approval in Brazil, expanding global access to AI-enhanced MRI imaging.
• Ulrich GmbH & Co. KGminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 November 2023In November 2023, Bracco partnered with Germany's Ulrich GmbH & Co. KG to launch a syringeless MRI contrast injector in the U.S. market through a private-label agreement.
• CellBriminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to co-develop a flexible closed cell selection system using Bracco's bead-free lipid-based microbubble technology for cell therapy manufacturing.
• LimulaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Limula and the University of Fribourg to develop an automated cell selection alternative leveraging Bracco's microbubble technology for cell therapy manufacturing.
• Avicenna.AIcoreTechnology or IntegrationAI partnership collaboration in the medical imaging AI ecosystem, alongside other partnerships between Cortechs.ai and Siemens Healthineers, and platform expansions by Harrison.ai and deepc.
• Shanghai PharmaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBracco is expanding its Chinese manufacturing facility with partner Shanghai Pharma through a 20 million euro investment phase, deepening its strategic presence in China through local clinical trials, product launches, and manufacturing investments.
• European Society of RadiologyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with the European Society of Radiology to promote the future of radiology at ECR 2026, featuring educational programs, scientific symposiums, and initiatives supporting the radiology community.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Guerbet: French-headquartered contrast media and imaging solutions company; directly competes with Bracco in iodinated CT and gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents, and is Bracco's co-inventor on the VUEWAY (gadopiclenol) collaboration.
• Lantheus Holdings: Radiopharmaceutical-focused company with proprietary cardiac PET agents (e.g., rubidium-based generators, similar to Bracco's CardioGen-82) and an emerging radiodiagnostic pipeline. Comparable to Bracco's molecular imaging and nuclear medicine offerings.
• Curium Pharma: World-leading nuclear medicine company supplying diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals and radiotracers. Directly comparable to Bracco's Choletec and molecular imaging portfolio across hospitals and imaging centers.

Broad incumbents

• Siemens Healthineers: Major imaging OEM whose CT, MRI, and angiography systems drive demand for contrast agents. As Bracco's NYU Langone partner and a native AI imaging software developer, Siemens represents both a customer-adjacent incumbent and a potential long-term competitive threat on the software layer.
• Bayer (Radiology / Contrast Media): Bayer's radiology business develops and markets contrast agents (e.g., Gadovist, Ultravist) directly competing with Bracco's MultiHance, ProHance, Iomeron, and Iopamiro across MRI and CT procedures worldwide.
• Philips: Global health technology incumbent with a large installed base of diagnostic imaging equipment and an expanding AI-enabled radiology software portfolio. Comparable to Bracco on the hospital imaging customer base and digital health roadmap.
• GE HealthCare: Global medical imaging incumbent offering iodinated and gadolinium-based contrast agents alongside its installed base of CT, MRI, and ultrasound scanners. Overlaps with Bracco across contrast agents and, increasingly, AI imaging software integrated into OEM platforms.

Emerging players

• Canon Medical Systems: Imaging OEM that co-hosted Bracco's CEUS scientific symposium at ECR 2026 and partners with Bracco on ultrasound-related contrast-enhanced workflows. Comparable on ultrasound modality strategy and contrast delivery integration.
• Avicenna.AI: AI imaging company partnered with Bracco for AI applications in contrast-enhanced CT, with FDA submission planned for H2 2026. Adjacent technology partner whose focus on contrast-enhanced CT applications overlaps with Bracco's evolving digital health roadmap.
• Subtle Medical: AI medical imaging company co-developing AiMIFY with Bracco and deployed on 1,000+ scanners. Adjacent/partner rather than direct competitor, but its SubtleMR and SubtleGAD products overlap with Bracco's MRI contrast-enhancement roadmap.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Bracco-105889186141114

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments2 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bracco