The Division of Imaging and Radiation Medicine (DIRM) is responsible for drug products used in the image-based diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. Radiology, nuclear medicine, cardiology, surgery, and various other qualified medical specialties obtain and interpret these images in their daily clinical practice. The imaging products include contrast agents used to improve the ability to see inside the body using light, x-rays, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance. Examples include the use of computed tomography to evaluate the blood circulation and to detect early cancer, stroke, or heart disease. Other imaging drug products contain small amounts of radioactivity and are used to reveal information about the structure and function of the body. Examples of these imaging methods include positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for evaluating brain or heart conditions. DIRM is also responsible for drug products used in the treatment of injury caused by radiation or radioactive materials. These treatments work by increasing the elimination of radioactive contamination from the body or by increasing the recovery of critical cells injured by radiation.

Director: Libero (Lou) Marzella, M.D. (Acting)
Deputy Director: Alex Gorovets, M.D. (Acting)

Regulatory Operations
Chief of Project Management: Kyong Kang

Contact Us

Mailing Address:

Food and Drug Administration

Center for Drug Evaluation and Research

Division of Imaging and Radiation Medicine

5901-B Ammendale Road

Beltsville, MD 20705-1266
Phone: (301) 796-2050
Fax: (301) 796-9848