The New Data Layer in MRI: Valerie and Codi Gharagouzloo, PhD, of Imaginostics on Building a One-of-a-Kind Vascular Health Platform

Valerie and Cody Gharagouzloo, founders of Imaginostics, discuss their groundbreaking work in transforming MRI technology by introducing a 'new data layer' that moves beyond traditional black-and-white imaging to deliver quantifiable, individual-level vascular health insights. Their innovation, built on QC MRI technology, eliminates the need for toxic gadolinium contrast agents—especially critical for patients with kidney disease—and enables high-resolution, safer imaging. The company has achieved FDA Breakthrough Device designation and is partnering with Siemens to commercialize two products: ImagiView (enhanced image quality) and ImagiSight (vascular intelligence platform), which quantifies biomarkers of aging and disease at the cellular level. With validation studies underway at AdventHealth and support from major institutions like the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation, Imaginostics is poised to shift healthcare from reactive to preventative, enabling early detection of neurodegenerative and cardiovascular conditions. The technology also holds promise for precision drug development, pediatric imaging, oncology, and personalized health tracking, with the ultimate vision of making 'the invisible visible' across the entire body. The episode highlights the transformative power of combining physics-driven innovation with AI to create a scalable, clinically actionable platform. Valerie emphasizes the importance of partnerships and translation from lab to bedside, while Cody underscores the scientific leap in moving from qualitative imaging to quantitative biomarkers. Both founders express deep motivation to democratize access to advanced diagnostics and enable real-time monitoring of treatment efficacy. Their journey—from early skepticism about vascular biomarkers to now being at the forefront of a new era in medical imaging—serves as a powerful testament to perseverance and innovation. The future they envision includes routine, non-invasive health scans that track biological age and vascular health over time, revolutionizing preventive care and drug development.