The Clinical Research Imaging Center (CRIC) is a research‑dedicated imaging hub advancing liver‑disease treatments and metabolic health through precision imaging and translational science.
About the CRIC
The Clinical Research Imaging Center at the Stravitz‑Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health consolidates advanced imaging technology, radiochemistry, and clinical research operations to accelerate development of treatments for liver and metabolic diseases. The CRIC is a research facility designed to support investigator‑initiated studies, industry‑sponsored trials, and precision‑medicine projects—streamlining the pathway from discovery to human testing.
Core capabilities
- Research‑dedicated Siemens Quadra PET/CT: high sensitivity, ultra field-of-view PET/CT imaging for whole-body tracer studies and therapeutic evaluation.
- Advanced 3T MRI system (Siemens Magnetom Vida) configured for metabolic and hepatology research, including 2D and 3D MRE, spectroscopy and fMRI.
- On‑site cGMP radiochemistry labs for safe tracer synthesis and quality control.
- Integrated clinical research operations to support protocol setup, regulatory compliance, imaging acquisition, and centralized data management.
- Dedicated staff with expertise in imaging science, radiochemistry, and trial operations.
Research priorities
- Development and validation of novel imaging biomarkers for fatty liver disease, fibrosis, and liver cancer.
- Imaging endpoints for therapeutic trials in hepatology and metabolic disease.
- Multiorgan imaging studies to study systemic impacts of liver disease.
- Collaboration on tracer chemistry and imaging protocols to enhance sensitivity and specificity in early‑phase trials.
How we collaborate
We work with academic researchers, biotech and pharmaceutical partners, and government agencies. Collaboration options include:
- Core imaging services for research protocols.
- Radiochemistry support for tracer development and cGMP tracer production for research use.
- Operational support for clinical trials.
- Joint research proposals and co‑development agreements.
Research‑only policy
The CRIC operates exclusively for research and treatment‑development work. It is not a clinical imaging service for routine patient care. For clinical imaging or outpatient services, please contact VCU Health clinical imaging services or the Stravitz‑Sanyal outpatient clinic referral line at 833-828-5487, toll-free.
Impact and context
Liver and metabolic diseases are widespread and rising globally as conditions such as fatty liver disease, obesity, diabetes and their complications increase demand for better therapies. By integrating high‑resolution imaging, tracer chemistry and clinical trial capability, the CRIC enables precise measurement of treatment effects and shortens development timelines for new therapies.