Polarean designs and manufactures equipment for the production of hyperpolarized xenon or helium gas. When used in conjunction with MRI, these gases offer a fundamentally new and non-invasive functional imaging platform. Current investigational uses include identifying early diagnoses of respiratory diseases as well as monitoring progression and therapeutic response. In addition, xenon gas exhibits solubility and signal properties that enable it to be imaged within other tissues and organs. The company is pursuing regulatory approval for clinical use and also sells its hyperpolarized and related equipment to academic research institutions worldwide. In addition to providing academic researchers with this equipment and support, Polarean Imaging plc offers access to the intellectual property that provides freedom-to-operate in this technology area. Polarean was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Durham, NC, USA.