Silicon-fluoride Acceptor Research Articles

Early Development and Pre-Clinical Evaluation of a Fluorine-18 Labeled Peptide p5+14 for PET/CT Imaging of Cardiac Amyloidosis

Background:Systemic amyloidosis is a rare protein misfolding disorder, where patients can present with varied symptoms due to the diverse organ involvement. This is particularly true of patients with light chain associated (AL) amyloidosis, which makes early and accurate diagnosis challenging. Currently there are no FDA-approved methods that allow visualization of amyloidosis in patients. Nuclear imaging is a promising method for early detection of amyloid. We have developed a novel amyloid-reactive peptide, designated p5+14, capable of binding AL, as well as other types of amyloid, via multivalent electrostatic interactions. Peptide p5+14 has been successfully radiolabeled with radioiodine and technetium-99m and evaluated clinically, labeled with iodine-124, in a PET/CT imaging study of patients with amyloidosis (NCT03678259). While there are numerous advantages to using I-124 as the radionuclide for amyloid imaging, fluorine is a viable alternative for detecting cardiac amyloidosis. Fluorine-18 has a shorter half-life (108 min as compared to 4.2 days) thus reducing the internal radiation dose to patients. Moreover, F-18 is the most common nuclide used in PET imaging. We have previously generated a 18F-labeled variant of p5+14; however, the reaction was inefficient and not translatable. Here we present a novel development strategy for generating 18F labeled p5+14 using a commercially available precursor that can bind AL amyloid and perform initial characterization of the reagent in a murine model of inflammation-associated systemic AA amyloidosis. Methods: Isotopic exchange chemistry using a silicon-fluoride-acceptor (SiFA) method was used to label peptide p5+14 with F-18. The peptide precursor was purchased from Almac Life Sciences (Penicuik, UK). 18F was purchased from PetNet (Siemens Healthineers, Knoxville, TN) and prepared for reaction according to standard methods. After drying, F-18 (1000 - 1900 MBq ) was dissolved in anhydrous acetonitrile and the pH neutralized before the addition of peptide precursor. Radiolabeling was performed at room temperature for 5 min. After standard purification of the product, radiochemical purity studies demonstrated that it was stable, with no significant loss of F-18 for at least 5 hours. Radiofluorinated p5+14 was assessed in bioactivity “pulldown” assays to ensure binding to synthetic AL amyloid-like fibrils and human AL amyloid extracts. The radiolabeled peptide was also diluted in PBS and injected IV in the lateral tail vein of mice with severe systemic AA amyloidosis. After 1 h, mice were euthanized small animal PET/CT imaging performed and tissue biodistribution measurements were conducted using an automated Wizard 3 gamma counter (1480 Wallac Gamma Counter, Perkin-Elmer). Results: Using optimized synthesis conditions, the non-decay corrected radiochemical yield was 55±4.5%. Radiochemical purity was 99±1% at end of synthesis. Peptide purity was shown to be 93.7±4.9% by assessed using HPLC. Radiochemical stability was similarly evaluated using an HLPC method and remained >97.5% radiochemical purity at 5 hours after synthesis. The binding of 18F-p5+14 to synthetic AL amyloid like fibrils composed of a l6 variable domain was 96.2%, mimicking data using the radioiodinated peptide, and 87.2% to human AL amyloid extracts. Background binding to control beads was 17.4%. In mice, accumulation of 18F-peptide in the liver and spleen, the organs with most AA amyloid deposits in this mouse model, was readily evident in PET images taken 1 h post injection. There was also evidence of hepatic clearance of the peptide, manifest as a prominent gall bladder in the images. There was no accumulation of F-18 in bone, indicating positive in vivo stability. Imaging of amyloid-free wild type mice showed rapid clearance with radioactivity in the urinary bladder, gall bladder and gastrointestinal tract with little or no hepatosplenic radiotracer retention. Conclusion: Radiofluorination of peptides, such as p5+14, has been made more efficient through the use of novel precursors amenable to isotopic exchange. 18F-peptide binds amyloid effectively and may serve as a next generation radiotracer for the detection of cardiac amyloid by PET/CT imaging. Acknowledgments: EW is a doctoral student in the Comparative and Experimental Medicine Program. This study was supported by the Amyloidosis and Cancer Theranostics Program and the UTGSM.

Synthesis and Evaluation of [18F]SiFA-Conjugated Ligands for Fibroblast Activation Protein Imaging.

In recent years, fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has emerged as an important target for the diagnosis and therapy of various tumors due to its high expression on the cell surface of cancer-associated fibroblasts, which are the major components of the tumor stroma. In this study, we synthesized and evaluated 18F-labeled FAP inhibitors (FAPIs) for FAP imaging. Two silicon fluoride acceptor (SiFA)-conjugated FAPIs were synthesized: one containing a γ-carboxy-l-glutamic acid (Gla) residue (1) and another containing two Gla residues (2). Both ligands exhibited high binding affinities for FAP. 18F/19F exchange reactions on both ligands were performed in the presence of 2% water. This resulted in the formation of radioligands [18F]1 and [18F]2 in high radiochemical yields. Radioligand [18F]2, with a more favorable partition coefficient, was selected for the U87MG cell binding study, and the results showed FAP-specific binding of the radioligand to the cells. An ex vivo biodistribution study in U87MG tumor-bearing mice 60 min after injection demonstrated a 5.8-fold higher tumor accumulation of [18F]2 than that of [18F]1. Furthermore, PET and ex vivo biodistribution studies of [18F]2 in U87MG tumor-bearing mice showed high and persistent tumor uptake over time, which was significantly blocked by the preinjection of FAPI-04. Our results indicate that [18F]SiFA-(Gla)2-conjugated FAPI ([18F]2) has the potential for FAP imaging.

Good practices for the automated production of 18F-SiFA radiopharmaceuticals

BackgroundThe positron emitting isotope fluorine-18 (18F) possesses almost ideal physicochemical properties for the development of radiotracers for diagnostic molecular imaging employing positron emission tomography (PET). 18F in its nucleophilic anionic 18F− form is usually prepared by bombarding an enriched 18O water target with protons of various energies between 5 and 20 MeV depending on the technical specifications of the cyclotron. Large thick-target yields between 5 and 14 GBq/µA can be obtained, enough to prepare large batches of radiotracers capable to serve a considerable contingent of patients (50 + per clinical batch). The overall yield of the radiotracer however depends on the efficiency of the 18F labeling chemistry. The Silicon Fluoride Acceptor chemistry (SiFA) has introduced a convenient and highly efficient way to provide clinical peptide-based 18F-radiotracers in a kit-like procedure matching the convenience of 99mTc radiopharmaceuticals.Main bodyA radiotracer’s clinical success primarily hinges on whether its synthesis can be automated. Due to its simplicity, the SiFA chemistry, which is based on isotopic exchange (18F for 19F), does not only work in a manual setup but has been proven to be automatable, yielding large batches of 18F-radiotracers of high molar activity (Am). The production of SiFA radiotracer can be centralized and the radiopharmaceutical be distributed via the “satellite” principle, where one production facility economically serves multiple clinical application sites. Clinically validated tracers such as [18F]SiTATE and [18F]Ga-rhPSMA-7/-7.3 have been synthesized in an automated synthesis unit under good manufacturing practice conditions and used in large patient cohorts. Communication of common guidelines and practices is warranted to further the dissemination of SiFA radiopharmaceuticals and to give easy access to this technology.ConclusionThis current review highlights the most recent achievements in SiFA radiopharmaceutical automation geared towards large batch production for clinical application. Best practice advice and guidance towards a facilitated implementation of the SiFA technology into new and already operating PET tracer production facilities is provided. A brief outlook spotlights the future potential of SiFA radiochemistry within the landscape of non-canonical labeling chemistries.

Recent Advances in the Clinical Translation of Silicon Fluoride Acceptor (SiFA) 18F-Radiopharmaceuticals.

The incorporation of silicon fluoride acceptor (SiFA) moieties into a variety of molecules, such as peptides, proteins and biologically relevant small molecules, has improved the generation of 18F-radiopharmaceuticals for medical imaging. The efficient isotopic exchange radiofluorination process, in combination with the enhanced [18F]SiFA in vivo stability, make it a suitable strategy for fluorine-18 incorporation. This review will highlight the clinical applicability of [18F]SiFA-labeled compounds and discuss the significant radiotracers currently in clinical use.

Design, Synthesis, In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Heterobivalent SiFAlin-Modified Peptidic Radioligands Targeting Both Integrin αvβ3 and the MC1 Receptor-Suitable for the Specific Visualization of Melanomas?

Combining two peptides addressing two different receptors to a heterobivalent peptidic ligand (HBPL) is thought to enable an improved tumor-targeting sensitivity and thus tumor visualization, compared to monovalent peptide ligands. In the case of melanoma, the Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), which is stably overexpressed in the majority of primary malignant melanomas, and integrin αvβ3, which is involved in lymph node metastasis and therefore has an important role in the transition from local to metastatic disease, are important target receptors. Thus, if a radiolabeled HBPL could be developed that was able to bind to both receptor types, the early diagnosis and correct staging of the disease would be significantly increased. Here, we report on the design, synthesis, radiolabeling and in vitro and in vivo testing of different SiFAlin-modified HBPLs (SiFA = silicon fluoride acceptor), consisting of an MC1R-targeting (GG-Nle-c(DHfRWK)) and an integrin αvβ3-affine peptide (c(RGDfK)), being connected by a symmetrically branching framework including linkers of differing length and composition. Kit-like 18F-radiolabeling of the HBPLs 1–6 provided the labeled products [18F]1–[18F]6 in radiochemical yields of 27–50%, radiochemical purities of ≥95% and non-optimized molar activities of 17–51 GBq/μmol within short preparation times of 25 min. Besides the evaluation of radiotracers regarding logD(7.4) and stability in human serum, the receptor affinities of the HBPLs were investigated in vitro on cell lines overexpressing integrin αvβ3 (U87MG cells) or the MC1R (B16F10). Based on these results, the most promising compounds [18F]2, showing the highest affinity to both target receptors (IC50 (B16F10) = 0.99 ± 0.11 nM, IC50 (U87MG) = 1300 ± 288 nM), and [18F]4, exhibiting the highest hydrophilicity (logD(7.4) = −1.39 ± 0.03), were further investigated in vivo and ex vivo in a xenograft mouse model bearing both tumors. For both HBPLs, clear visualization of B16F10, as well as U87MG tumors, was feasible. Blocking studies using the respective monospecific peptides demonstrated both peptide binders of the HBPLs contributing to tumor uptake. Despite the somewhat lower target receptor affinities (IC50 (B16F10) = 6.00 ± 0.47 nM and IC50 (U87MG) = 2034 ± 323 nM) of [18F]4, the tracer showed higher absolute tumor uptakes ([18F]4: 2.58 ± 0.86% ID/g in B16F10 tumors and 3.92 ± 1.31% ID/g in U87MG tumors; [18F]2: 2.32 ± 0.49% ID/g in B16F10 tumors and 2.33 ± 0.46% ID/g in U87MG tumors) as well as higher tumor-to-background ratios than [18F]2. Thus, [18F]4 demonstrates to be a highly potent radiotracer for the sensitive and bispecific imaging of malignant melanoma by PET/CT imaging and impressively illustrates the suitability of the underlying concept to develop heterobivalent integrin αvβ3- and MC1R-bispecific radioligands for the sensitive and specific imaging of malignant melanoma by PET/CT.

SP-006 - Development of silicon fluoride acceptor (SiFA)-conjugated antibodies targeting TREM2 and Poly-GA repeats as new tracers for PET imaging of neurodegenerative diseases

SP-006 - Development of silicon fluoride acceptor (SiFA)-conjugated antibodies targeting TREM2 and Poly-GA repeats as new tracers for PET imaging of neurodegenerative diseases

Automated synthesis of [18F]Ga-rhPSMA-7/ -7.3: results, quality control and experience from more than 200 routine productions

IntroductionThe radiohybrid (rh) prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted ligand [18F]Ga-rhPSMA-7 has previously been clinically assessed and demonstrated promising results for PET-imaging of prostate cancer. The ligand is present as a mixture of four stereoisomers ([18F]Ga-rhPSMA-7.1, − 7.2, − 7.3 and − 7.4) and after a preclinical isomer selection process, [18F]Ga-rhPSMA-7.3 has entered formal clinical trials. Here we report on the establishment of a fully automated production process for large-scale production of [18F]Ga-rhPSMA-7/ -7.3 under GMP conditions (EudraLex).Methods[18F]Fluoride in highly enriched [18O]H2O was retained on a strong anion exchange cartridge, rinsed with anhydrous acetonitrile and subsequently eluted with a solution of [K+ ⊂ 2.2.2]OH− in anhydrous acetonitrile into a reactor containing Ga-rhPSMA ligand and oxalic acid in DMSO. 18F-for-19F isotopic exchange at the Silicon-Fluoride Acceptor (SiFA) was performed at room temperature, followed by dilution with buffer and cartridge-based purification. Optimum process parameters were determined on the laboratory scale and thereafter implemented into an automated synthesis. Data for radiochemical yield (RCY), purity and quality control were analyzed for 243 clinical productions (160 for [18F]Ga-rhPSMA-7; 83 for [18F]Ga-rhPSMA-7.3).ResultsThe automated production of [18F]Ga-rhPSMA-7 and the single isomer [18F]Ga-rhPSMA-7.3 is completed in approx. 16 min with an average RCY of 49.2 ± 8.6% and an excellent reliability of 98.8%. Based on the different starting activities (range: 31–130 GBq, 89 ± 14 GBq) an average molar activity of 291 ± 62 GBq/μmol (range: 50–450 GBq/μmol) was reached for labeling of 150 nmol (231 μg) precursor. Radiochemical purity, as measured by radio-high performance liquid chromatography and radio-thin layer chromatography, was 99.9 ± 0.2% and 97.8 ± 1.0%, respectively.ConclusionThis investigation demonstrates that 18F-for-19F isotopic exchange is well suited for the fast, efficient and reliable automated routine production of 18F-labeled PSMA-targeted ligands. Due to its simplicity, speed and robustness the development of further SiFA-based radiopharmaceuticals is highly promising and can be of far-reaching importance for future theranostic concepts.

Radiosynthesis of [18F]SiFAlin-TATE for clinical neuroendocrine tumor positron emission tomography.

Here, we describe an extension of our silicon fluoride acceptor (SiFA) protocol for 18F-labeling of peptides that addresses challenges associated with preparing a clinical-grade (Tyr3)-octreotate (TATE) tracer for diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). After several iterations of protocol optimization (e.g., finding the optimal pH at which the isotopic exchange (IE) reaction produces high radiochemical yields (RCYs)), the SiFA technology achieved clinical applicability, as showcased by radiosynthesis of [18F]SiFAlin-TATE ([18F]SiTATE), the first SiFA peptide used in the clinical diagnosis of NETs. The TATE peptide binds to somatostatin receptors associated with NETs. Radiolabeled TATE derivatives are routinely applied in clinical oncological PET imaging. The (SiFA) 18F-labeling technology is based on the IE of a 19F atom for a radioactive 18F atom, a highly efficient labeling reaction under mild conditions. The 19F is part of a biomolecule bearing the SiFA building block, composed of a central silicon (Si) atom, a 19F atom connected to the Si atom, and two Si-bound tert-butyl groups. The IE proceeds through a penta-coordinate bipyramidal intermediate, followed by elimination of non-radioactive 19F, yielding the labeled compound in high RCYs at room temperature (22 °C). The simplicity and lack of side-product formation of this approach enable a one-step, kit-like preparation of structurally complex and unprotected radiopharmaceuticals. Compounds such as peptides used for tumor imaging in nuclear medicine can be 18F-labeled without the need for complex purification protocols. [18F]SiTATE can be synthesized within 30 min in preparative RCYs of 42%, radiochemical purity of >97% and high molar activity of 60 GBq/µmol.

<sup>18</sup>F-Labeling of Radiotracers Functionalized with a Silicon Fluoride Acceptor (SiFA) for Positron Emission Tomography

The para-substituted di-tert-butylfluorosilylbenzene structural motif known as the silicon-fluoride acceptor (SiFA) is a useful tag in the radiochemist's toolkit for incorporating radioactive [18F]fluoride into tracers for use in positron emission tomography. In comparison to conventional radiolabeling strategies, isotopic exchange of fluorine-19 from SiFA with [18F]fluoride is carried out at room temperature and requires minimal reaction participants. The formation of by-products is thus negligible, and purification is greatly simplified. However, while the precursor molecule used for labeling and the final radiolabeled product are isotopically discrete, they are chemically identical and are thus inseparable during purification procedures. The SiFA tag is also susceptible to degradation under the basic conditions arising from the processing and drying of [18F]fluoride. The '4 drop method', wherein only the first 4 drops of eluted [18F]fluoride are used from the solid-phase extraction, reduces the amount of base in the reaction, facilitates lower molar amounts of precursor, and reduces degradation.

Radiohybrid Ligands: A Novel Tracer Concept Exemplified by 18F- or 68Ga-Labeled rhPSMA Inhibitors.

When we critically assess the reason for the current dominance of 68Ga-labeled peptides and peptide-like ligands in radiopharmacy and nuclear medicine, we have to conclude that the major advantage of such radiopharmaceuticals is the apparent lack of suitable 18F-labeling technologies with proven clinical relevance. To prepare and to subsequently perform a clinical proof-of-concept study on the general suitability of silicon-fluoride-acceptor (SiFA)–conjugated radiopharmaceuticals, we developed inhibitors of the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) that are labeled by isotopic exchange (IE). To compensate for the pronounced lipophilicity of the SiFA unit, we used metal chelates, conjugated in close proximity to SiFA. Six different radiohybrid PSMA ligands (rhPSMA ligands) were evaluated and compared with the commonly used 18F-PSMA inhibitors 18F-DCFPyL and 18F-PSMA-1007. Methods: All inhibitors were synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis. Human serum albumin binding was measured by affinity high-performance liquid chromatography, whereas the lipophilicity of each tracer was determined by the n-octanol/buffer method. In vitro studies (IC50, internalization) were performed on LNCaP cells. Biodistribution studies were conducted on LNCaP tumor–bearing male CB-17 SCID mice. Results: On the laboratory scale (starting activities, 0.2–9.0 GBq), labeling of 18F-rhPSMA-5 to -10 by IE was completed in < 20 min (radiochemical yields, 58% ± 9%; radiochemical purity, >97%) with molar activities of 12–60 GBq/μmol. All rhPSMAs showed low nanomolar affinity and high internalization by PSMA-expressing cells when compared with the reference radiopharmaceuticals, medium-to-low lipophilicity, and high human serum albumin binding. Biodistribution studies in LNCaP tumor–bearing mice revealed high tumor uptake, sufficiently fast clearance kinetics from blood, low hepatobiliary excretion, fast renal excretion, and very low uptake of 18F activity in bone. Conclusion: The novel 18F-rhPSMA radiopharmaceuticals developed under the radiohybrid concept show equal or better targeting characteristics than the established 18F-PSMA tracers 18F-DCFPyL and 18F-PSMA-1007. The unparalleled simplicity of production, the possibility to produce the identical 68Ga-labeled 19F-68Ga-rhPSMA tracers, and the possibility to extend this concept to true theranostic radiohybrid radiopharmaceuticals, such as F-Lu-rhPSMA, are unique features of these radiopharmaceuticals.

Next Generation of SiFAlin-Based TATE Derivatives for PET Imaging of SSTR-Positive Tumors: Influence of Molecular Design on In Vitro SSTR Binding and In Vivo Pharmacokinetics.

The Silicon-Fluoride-Acceptor (SiFA)-(18)F-labeling strategy has been shown before to enable the straightforward and efficient (18)F-labeling of complex biologically active substances such as proteins and peptides. Especially in the case of peptides, the radiolabeling proceeds kit-like in short reaction times and without the need of complex product workup. SiFA-derivatized, (18)F-labeled Tyr(3)-octreotate (TATE) derivatives demonstrated, besides strong somatostatin receptor (SSTR) binding, favorable in vivo pharmacokinetics as well as excellent tumor visualization by PET imaging. In this study, we intended to determine the influence of the underlying molecular design and used molecular scaffolds of SiFAlin-TATE derivatives on SSTR binding as well as on the in vivo pharmacokinetics of the resulting (18)F-labeled peptides. For this purpose, new SiFAlin-(Asp)n-PEG1-TATE analogs (where n = 1-4) were synthesized, efficiently radiolabeled with (18)F in a kit-like manner and obtained in radiochemical yields of 70-80%, radiochemical purities of ≥97%, and nonoptimized specific activities of 20.1-45.2 GBq/μmol within 20-25 min starting from 0.7-1.5 GBq of (18)F. In the following, the radiotracer's lipophilicities and stabilities in human serum were determined. Furthermore, the SSTR-specific binding affinities were evaluated by a competitive displacement assay on SSTR-positive AR42J cells. The obtained in vitro results support the assumption that aspartic acids are able to considerably increase the radiotracer's hydrophilicity and that their number does not affect the SSTR binding potential of the TATE derivatives. The most promising tracer (18)F-SiFAlin-Asp3-PEG1-TATE [(18)F]6 (LogD = -1.23 ± 0.03, IC50 = 20.7 ± 2.5 nM) was further evaluated in vivo in AR42J tumor-bearing nude mice via PET/CT imaging against the clinical gold standard (68)Ga-DOTATATE as well as the previously developed SiFAlin-TATE derivative [(18)F]3. The results of these evaluations showed that [(18)F]6-although showing very similar chemical and in vitro properties to [(18)F]3-exhibits not only a slowed renal clearance compared to [(18)F]3, but also a higher absolute tumor uptake compared to (68)Ga-DOTATATE, and furthermore enables excellent tumor visualization with high image resolution. These results emphasize the importance of systematic study of the influence of molecular design and applied structure elements of peptidic radiotracers, as these may considerably influence in vivo pharmacokinetics while not affecting other parameters such as radiochemistry, lipophilicity, serum stability, or receptor binding potential.

In Vivo Evaluation of ¹⁸F-SiFAlin-Modified TATE: A Potential Challenge for ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE, the Clinical Gold Standard for Somatostatin Receptor Imaging with PET.

Radiolabeled peptides for tumor imaging with PET that can be produced with kits are currently in the spotlight of radiopharmacy and nuclear medicine. The diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors in particular has been a prime example for the usefulness of peptides labeled with a variety of different radionuclides. Among those, (68)Ga and (18)F stand out because of the ease of radionuclide introduction (e.g., (68)Ga isotope) or optimal nuclide properties for PET imaging (slightly favoring the (18)F isotope). The in vivo properties of good manufacturing practice-compliant, newly developed kitlike-producible (18)F-SiFA- and (18)F-SiFAlin- (SiFA = silicon-fluoride acceptor) modified TATE derivatives were compared with the current clinical gold standard (68)Ga-DOTATATE for high-quality imaging of somatostatin receptor-bearing tumors. SiFA- and SiFAlin-derivatized somatostatin analogs were synthesized and radiolabeled using cartridge-based dried (18)F and purified via a C18 cartridge (radiochemical yield 49.8% ± 5.9% within 20-25 min) without high-performance liquid chromatography purification. Tracer lipophilicity and stability in human serum were tested in vitro. Competitive receptor binding affinity studies were performed using AR42J cells. The most promising tracers were evaluated in vivo in an AR42J xenograft mouse model by ex vivo biodistribution and in vivo PET/CT imaging studies for evaluation of their pharmacokinetic profiles, and the results were compared with those of the current clinical gold standard (68)Ga-DOTATATE. Synthetically easily accessible (18)F-labeled silicon-fluoride acceptor-modified somatostatin analogs were developed. They exhibited high binding affinities to somatostatin receptor-positive tumor cells (1.88-14.82 nM). The most potent compound demonstrated comparable pharmacokinetics and an even slightly higher absolute tumor accumulation level in ex vivo biodistribution studies as well as higher tumor standardized uptake values in PET/CT imaging than (68)Ga-DOTATATE in vivo. The radioactivity uptake in nontumor tissue was higher than for (68)Ga-DOTATATE. The introduction of the novel SiFA building block SiFAlin and of hydrophilic auxiliaries enables a favorable in vivo biodistribution profile of the modified TATE peptides, resulting in high tumor-to-background ratios although lower than those observed with (68)Ga-DOTATATE. As further advantage, the SiFA methodology enables a kitlike labeling procedure for (18)F-labeled peptides advantageous for routine clinical application.

A New SiF–Dipropargyl Glycerol Scaffold as a Versatile Prosthetic Group to Design Dimeric Radioligands: Synthesis of the [18F]BMPPSiF Tracer to Image Serotonin Receptors

A novel SiX-dipropargyl glycerol scaffold (X: H, F, or (18) F) was developed as a versatile prosthetic group that provides technical advantages for the preparation of dimeric radioligands based on silicon fluoride acceptor pre- or post-labeling with fluorine-18. Rapid conjugation with the prosthetic group takes place in microwave-assisted click conjugation under mild conditions. Thus, a bivalent homodimeric SiX-dipropargyl glycerol derivatized radioligand, [(18) F]BMPPSiF, with enhanced affinity was developed by using click conjugation. High uptake of the radioligand was demonstrated in 5-HT1A receptor-rich regions in the brain with positron emission tomography. Molecular docking studies (rigid protein-flexible ligand) of BMPPSiF and known antagonists (WAY-100635, MPPF, and MefWAY) with monomeric, dimeric, and multimeric 5-HT1A receptor models were performed, with the highest G score obtained for docked BMPPSiF: -6.766 as compared with all three antagonists on the monomeric model. Multimeric induced-fit docking was also performed to visualize the comparable mode of binding under in vivo conditions, and a notably improved G score of -8.455 was observed for BMPPSiF. These data directly correlate the high binding potential of BMPPSiF with the bivalent binding mode obtained in the biological studies. The present study warrants wide application of the SiX-dipropargyl glycerol prosthetic group in the development of ligands for imaging with enhanced affinity markers for specific targeting based on peptides, nucleosides, and lipids.

Three Methods for 18F Labeling of the HER2-Binding Affibody Molecule ZHER2:2891 Including Preclinical Assessment

Human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2)-targeted Affibody molecules radiolabeled with (18)F allow the noninvasive assessment of HER2 status in vivo through PET imaging. Such agents have the potential to improve patient management by selecting individuals for HER2-targeted therapies and allowing therapy monitoring. The aim of this study was to assess different (18)F radiolabeling strategies of the HER2-specific Affibody molecule Z(HER2:2891), preclinically determine the biologic efficacy of the different radiolabel molecules, and select a preferred radiolabeling strategy to progress for automated manufacture. Cysteine was added to the C terminus of the Affibody molecule for the coupling of maleimide linkers, and 3 radiolabeling strategies were assessed: silicon-fluoride acceptor approach ((18)F-SiFA), (18)F-AlF-NOTA, and 4-(18)F-fluorobenzaldehyde ((18)F-FBA). The biodistributions of the radiolabeled Affibody molecules were then determined in naïve CD-1 nude mice, and tumor targeting was assessed in CD-1 nude mice bearing high-HER2-expressing NCI-N87 tumors and low-HER2-expressing A431 tumors. The (111)In-ABY-025 compound, which has demonstrable clinical utility, served as a reference tracer. The non-decay-corrected radiochemical yields based on starting (18)F-fluoride using the (18)F-FBA, (18)F-SiFA, and (18)F-AlF-NOTA methods were 13% ± 3% (n = 5), 38% ± 2% (n = 3), and 11% ± 4% (n = 6), respectively. In naïve mice, both the (18)F-AlF-NOTA-Z(HER2:2891) and the (111)In-ABY-025 compounds showed a significant kidney retention (70.3 ± 1.3 and 73.8 ± 3.0 percentage injected dose [%ID], respectively, at 90 min after injection), which was not observed for (18)F-FBA-Z(HER2:2891) or (18)F-SiFA-Z(HER2:2891) (4.8 ± 0.6 and 10.1 ± 0.7 %ID, respectively, at 90 min). The (18)F-SiFA-Z(HER2:2891) conjugate was compromised by increasing bone retention over time (5.3 ± 1.0 %ID/g at 90 min after injection), indicating defluorination. All the radiolabeled Affibody molecules assessed showed significantly higher retention in NCI-N87 tumors than A431 tumors at all time points (P < 0.05), and PET/CT imaging of (18)F-FBA-Z(HER2:2891) in a dual NCI-N87/A431 xenograft model demonstrated high tumor-to-background contrast for NCI-N87 tumors. The HER2 Affibody molecule Z(HER2:2891) has been site-selectively radiolabeled by three (18)F conjugation methods. Preliminary biologic data have identified (18)F-FBA-Z(HER2:2891) (also known as GE226) as a favored candidate for further development and radiochemistry automation.

One-step 18F-labeling of peptides for positron emission tomography imaging using the SiFA methodology

Here we present a procedure to label peptides with the positron-emitting radioisotope fluorine-18 ((18)F) using the silicon-fluoride acceptor (SiFA) labeling methodology. Positron emission tomography (PET) has gained high importance in noninvasive imaging of various diseases over the past decades, and thus new specific imaging probes for PET imaging, especially those labeled with (18)F, because of the advantageous properties of this nuclide, are highly sought after. N-terminally SiFA-modified peptides can be labeled with (18)F(-) in one step at room temperature (20-25 °C) or below without forming side products, thereby producing satisfactory radiochemical yields of 46 ± 1.5% (n = 10). The degree of chemoselectivity of the (18)F-introduction, which is based on simple isotopic exchange, allows for a facile cartridge-based purification fully devoid of HPLC implementation, thereby yielding peptides with specific activities between 44.4 and 62.9 GBq μmol(-1) (1,200-1,700 Ci mmol(-1)) within 25 min.

Protein labeling with the labeling precursor [18F]SiFA-SH for positron emission tomography

Proteins previously derivatized with the cross-coupling reagent sulfo-SMCC (4-(N-maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid 3-sulfo-N-hydroxy-succinimide ester sodium salt) can be easily labeled in high radiochemical yields with the silicon-fluoride acceptor (SiFA) reagent [(18)F]SiFA-SH, obtained via isotopic exchange, by thiol-maleimide coupling chemistry (n = 10). The specific activity of SiFA-SH obtained in a one-step labeling reaction was > 18.5 GBq μmol(-1) (> 500 Ci mmol(-1)). The number of SiFA building blocks per protein molecule is defined by the previously introduced number of maleimide groups, which can be determined by a simple and convenient Ellman's assay. Not more than two maleimide groups are introduced using sulfo-SMCC, thereby keeping the modification of the protein low and preserving its biological activity.

T-Bu2SiF-Derivatized D2-Receptor Ligands: The First SiFA-Containing Small Molecule Radiotracers for Target-Specific PET-Imaging

The synthesis, radiolabeling and in vitro evaluation of new silicon-fluoride acceptor (SiFA) derivatized D2-receptor ligands is reported. The SiFA-technology simplifies the introduction of fluorine-18 into target specific biomolecules for Positron-Emission-Tomography (PET). However, one of the remaining challenges, especially for small molecules such as receptor-ligands, is the bulkiness of the SiFA-moiety. We therefore synthesized four Fallypride SiFA-conjugates derivatized either directly at the benzoic acid ring system (SiFA-DMFP, SiFA-FP, SiFA-DDMFP) or at the butyl-side chain (SiFA-M-FP) and tested their receptor affinities. We found D2-receptor affinities for all compounds in the nanomolar range (Ki(SiFA-DMFP) = 13.6 nM, Ki(SiFA-FP) = 33.0 nM, Ki(SiFA-DDMFP) = 62.7 nM and Ki(SiFA-M-FP) = 4.21 nM). The radiofluorination showed highest yields when 10 nmol of the precursors were reacted with [18F]fluoride/TBAHCO3 in acetonitrile. After a reversed phased cartridge purification the desired products could be isolated as an injectable solution after only 10 min synthesis time with radiochemical yields (RCY) of more than 40% in the case of SiFA-DMFP resulting in specific activities >41 GBq/µmol (>1,100 Ci/mmol). Furthermore, the radiolabeled products were shown to be stable in the injectable solutions, as well as in human plasma, for at least 90 min.

One-Step18F-Labeling of Carbohydrate-Conjugated Octreotate-Derivatives Containing a Silicon-Fluoride-Acceptor (SiFA): In Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation as Tumor Imaging Agents for Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

The synthesis, radiolabeling, and initial evaluation of new silicon-fluoride acceptor (SiFA) derivatized octreotate derivatives is reported. So far, the main drawback of the SiFA technology for the synthesis of PET-radiotracers is the high lipophilicity of the resulting radiopharmaceutical. Consequently, we synthesized new SiFA-octreotate analogues derivatized with Fmoc-NH-PEG-COOH, Fmoc-Asn(Ac₃AcNH-β-Glc)-OH, and SiFA-aldehyde (SIFA-A). The substances could be labeled in high yields (38 ± 4%) and specific activities between 29 and 56 GBq/μmol in short synthesis times of less than 30 min (e.o.b.). The in vitro evaluation of the synthesized conjugates displayed a sst2 receptor affinity (IC₅₀ = 3.3 ± 0.3 nM) comparable to that of somatostatin-28. As a measure of lipophilicity of the conjugates, the log P(ow) was determined and found to be 0.96 for SiFA-Asn(AcNH-β-Glc)-PEG-Tyr³-octreotate and 1.23 for SiFA-Asn(AcNH-β-Glc)-Tyr³-octreotate, which is considerably lower than for SiFA-Tyr³-octreotate (log P(ow) = 1.59). The initial in vivo evaluation of [¹⁸F]SiFA-Asn(AcNH-β-Glc)-PEG-Tyr³-octreotate revealed a significant uptake of radiotracer in the tumor tissue of AR42J tumor-bearing nude mice of 7.7% ID/g tissue weight. These results show that the high lipophilicity of the SiFA moiety can be compensated by applying hydrophilic moieties. Using this approach, a tumor-affine SiFA-containing peptide could successfully be used for receptor imaging for the first time in this proof of concept study.