Tosylate Precursor Research Articles

Comparison between [18F]fluorination and [18F]fluoroethylation reactions for the synthesis of the PDE10A PET radiotracer [18F]MNI-659

Introduction2-(2-(3-(4-(2-[18F]Fluoroethoxy)phenyl)-7-methyl-4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-2-yl)ethyl)-4-isopropoxyisoindoline-1,3-dione ([18F]MNI-659, [18F]1) is a useful PET radiotracer for imaging phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) in human brain. [18F]1 has been previously prepared by direct [18F]fluorination of a tosylate precursor 2 with [18F]F−. The aim of this study was to determine the conditions for the [18F]fluorination reaction to obtain [18F]1 of high quality and with sufficient radioactivity for clinical use in our institute. Moreover, we synthesized [18F]1 by [18F]fluoroethylation of a phenol precursor 3 with [18F]fluoroethyl bromide ([18F]FEtBr), and the outcomes of [18F]fluorination and [18F]fluoroethylation were compared. MethodsWe performed the automated synthesis of [18F]1 by [18F]fluorination and [18F]fluoroethylation using a multi-purpose synthesizer. We determined the amounts of tosylate precursor 2 and potassium carbonate as well as the reaction temperature for direct [18F]fluorination. ResultsThe efficiency of the [18F]fluorination reaction was strongly affected by the amount of 2 and potassium carbonate. Under the determined reaction conditions, [18F]1 with 0.82±0.2GBq was obtained in 13.6%±3.3% radiochemical yield (n=8, decay-corrected to EOB and based on [18F]F−) at EOS, starting from 11.5±0.4GBq of cyclotron-produced [18F]F−. On the other hand, the [18F]fluoroethylation of 3 with [18F]FEtBr produced [18F]1 with 1.0±0.2GBq and in 22.5±2.5 % radiochemical yields (n=7, decay-corrected to EOB and based on [18F]F−) at EOS, starting from 7.4GBq of cyclotron-produced [18F]F−. Clearly, [18F]fluoroethylation resulted in a higher radiochemical yield of [18F]1 than [18F]fluorination. Conclusion[18F]1 of high quality and with sufficient radioactivity was successfully radiosynthesized by two methods. [18F]1 synthesized by direct [18F]fluorination has been approved and will be provided for clinical use in our institute.

Efficient synthesis of 9-(4-[18F]fluoro-3-hydroxymethylbutyl)guanine ([18F]FHBG) and 9-[(3-[18F]fluoro-1-hydroxy-2-propoxy)methyl]guanine ([18F]FHPG)

A new, high radiochemical yield synthesis of [18F]FHBG and [18F]FHPG, the most popular imaging agents currently in use for monitoring gene therapy using positron emission tomography (PET), is reported in this work. Protection of sensitive sites in the precursors generally utilized for the preparation of [18F]FHBG and [18F]FHPG using the nucleophilic 18F-fluorination reaction was found to be critical for good radiochemical yields, reliability and reproducibility of the synthetic process. As an initial approach, protection at O6-oxygen in the guanine moiety of the currently used monomethoxytrityl-protected penciclovir tosylate derivative 9 with carbamoyl groups was carried out. Subsequently, full protection of both O6-oxygen and N2-nitrogen in the monomethoxytrityl-protected penciclovir and ganciclovir tosylate analogs 9 and 10 were achieved by their reaction with di-tert-butyl dicarbonate, which resulted in O6-tert-butyl-N2-Boc-monomethoxytrityl-protected penciclovir tosylate 18 and O6-tert-butyl-N2-Boc-monomethoxytrityl-protected ganciclovir tosylate 19, respectively. The newly synthesized carbamoyl- and the Boc- protected precursors were first reacted with non-radioactive KF complexed with Kryptofix 222 to isolate the fluorinated products. Acid hydrolysis of the purified fluorinated intermediates provided the nucleosides FHBG and FHPG. Full characterization of the new precursors as well as the products obtained by fluorination and hydrolysis reactions were carried out by one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy and high resolution mass spectrometry. Single crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis of a model ganciclovir analog 22 confirmed the structural characterization of the new Boc-protected tosylate precursors 18 and 19 by NMR spectroscopy. The carbamoyl- and the Boc-protected precursors were further subjected to radiofluorination followed by acid hydrolysis reactions to furnish [18F]FHBG and [18F]FHPG reliably and reproducibly in excellent radiochemical yields (>65%), much higher than those previously achieved.

18F-Labeled perfluorocarbon droplets for positron emission tomography imaging

IntroductionNanoscale perfluorocarbon (PFC) droplets have been used to create imaging agents and drug delivery vehicles. However, development and characterization of new formulations of PFC droplets are hindered because of the lack of simple methods for quantitative and sensitive assessment of whole body tissue distribution and pharmacokinetics of the droplets. To address this issue, a general-purpose method for radiolabeling the inner core of nanoscale perfluorocarbon droplets with a hydrophobic and lipophobic fluorine-18 compound was developed, so that positron emission tomography (PET) and quantitative biodistribution studies can be employed to evaluate PFC nanodroplets in vivo. MethodsA robust method to produce [18F]CF3(CF2)7(CH2)3F from a tosylate precursor using [18F]F− was developed. The product's effectiveness as a general label for different PFCs and its ability to distinguish the in vivo behavior of different PFC droplet formulations was evaluated using two types of PFC nanodroplets: fluorosurfactant-stabilized perfluorohexane (PFH) nanodroplets and lipid-stabilized perfluorooctylbromide (PFOB) nanodroplets. In vivo assessment of the 18F-labeled PFH and PFOB nanodroplets were conducted in normal mice following intravenous injection using small animal PET imaging and gamma counting of tissues and fluids. Results[18F]CF3(CF2)7(CH2)3F was produced in modest yield and was stable with respect to loss of fluoride in vitro. The labeled fluorocarbon was successfully integrated into PFH nanodroplets (~175 nm) and PFOB nanodroplets (~260 nm) without altering their mean sizes, size distributions, or surface charges compared to their non-radioactive analogues. No leakage of the radiolabel from the nanodroplets was detected after droplet formation in vitro. PET imaging and biodistribution data for the two droplet types tested showed significantly different tissue uptake and clearance patterns. ConclusionA convenient method for producing 18F-labeled PFC droplets was developed. The results highlight the potential utility of the strategy for pre-clinical evaluation of different PFC droplet formulations through direct PFC core labeling using a fluorinated radiolabel.

Synthesis, in Vitro Evaluation, and Radiolabeling of Fluorinated Puromycin Analogues: Potential Candidates for PET Imaging of Protein Synthesis.

There is currently no ideal radiotracer for imaging of protein synthesis rate (PSR) by positron emission tomography (PET). Existing fluorine-18-labeled amino acid-based radiotracers predominantly visualize amino acid transporter processes, and in many cases they are not incorporated into nascent proteins at all. Others are radiolabeled with the short-half-life positron emitter carbon-11, which is rather impractical for many PET centers. Based on the puromycin (6) structural manifold, a series of 10 novel derivatives of 6 was prepared via Williamson ether synthesis from a common intermediate. A bioluminescence assay was employed to study their inhibitory action on protein synthesis, which identified the fluoroethyl analogue 7b as a lead compound. The fluorine-18 analogue was prepared via nucleophilic substitution of the corresponding tosylate precursor in a modest radiochemical yield of 2 ± 0.6% with excellent radiochemical purity (>99%) and showed complete stability over 3 h at ambient temperature.

Radiosynthesis of novel pitavastatin derivative ([18 F]PTV-F1) as a tracer for hepatic OATP using a one-pot synthetic procedure.

Pitavastatin is an antihyperlipidemic agent, a potent inhibitor of 3-hydroxymethyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase, which is selectively taken up into the liver mainly via hepatic organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1). OATP1B1 can accept a variety of organic anions, and previous reports indicated that it is responsible for the hepatic clearance of several clinically used anionic drugs. Therefore, the pharmacokinetics and the hepatic distribution of pitavastatin provide an insight into the function of OATP1B1 in humans. For the development of the in vivo evaluation of OATP1B1 function by positron emission tomography imaging, we designed a novel [18 F]pitavastatin derivative ([18 F]PTV-F1), in which a [18 F]fluoroethoxy group is substituted for the [18 F]fluoro group of [18 F]pitavastatin, with the aim of convenient radiolabeling protocol and high radiochemical yield. In vitro studies suggested that transport activities of PTV-F1 mediated by OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 were very similar to those of pitavastatin and PTV-F1 was metabolically stable in human liver microsomes. In the radiosynthesis of [18 F]PTV-F1 from the tosylate precursor, nucleophilic fluorination and subsequent deprotection were performed using a one-pot procedure. [18 F]PTV-F1 was obtained with a radiochemical yield of 45%±3% (n=3), and the operating time for the radiosynthesis of [18 F]PTV-F1 is very short (30minutes) compared with [18 F]pitavastatin.

Synthesis and evaluation of a (18) F-labeled 4-phenylpiperidine-4-carbonitrile radioligand for σ1 receptor imaging.

We report the design and synthesis of several 4-phenylpiperidine-4-carbonitrile derivatives as σ1 receptor ligands. In vitro radioligand competition binding assays showed that all the ligands exhibited low nanomolar affinity for σ1 receptors (Ki (σ1 ) = 1.22-2.14 nM) and extremely high subtype selectivity (Ki (σ2 ) = 830-1710 nM; Ki (σ2 )/Ki (σ1 ) = 680-887). [(18) F]9 was prepared in 42-46% isolated radiochemical yield, with a radiochemical purity of >99% by HPLC analysis after purification, via nucleophilic (18) F(-) substitution of the corresponding tosylate precursor. Biodistribution studies in mice demonstrated high initial brain uptakes and high brain-to-blood ratios. Administration of SA4503 or haloperidol 5 min prior to injection of [(18) F]9 significantly reduced the accumulation of radiotracers in organs known to contain σ1 receptors. Two radioactive metabolites were observed in the brain at 30 min after radiotracer injection. [(18) F]9 may serve as a lead compound to develop suitable radiotracers for σ1 receptor imaging with positron emission tomography.

Preclinical Evaluation of 18F-PF-05270430, a Novel PET Radioligand for the Phosphodiesterase 2A Enzyme.

The enzyme phosphodiesterase 2A (PF-05270430) is a potential target for development of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of cognitive impairments. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the PDE2A ligand (18)F-PF-05270430, 4-(3-fluoroazetidin-1-yl)-7-methyl-5-(1-methyl-5-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)imidazo[1,5-f][1,2,4]triazine, in nonhuman primates. (18)F-PF-05270430 was radiolabeled by 2 methods via nucleophilic substitution of its tosylate precursor. Tissue metabolite analysis in rodents and PET imaging in nonhuman primates under baseline and blocking conditions were performed to determine the pharmacokinetic and binding characteristics of the new radioligand. Various kinetic modeling approaches were assessed to select the optimal method for analysis of imaging data. (18)F-PF-05270430 was synthesized in greater than 98% radiochemical purity and high specific activity. In the nonhuman primate brain, uptake of (18)F-PF-05270430 was fast, with peak concentration (SUVs of 1.5-1.8 in rhesus monkeys) achieved within 7 min after injection. The rank order of uptake was striatum > neocortical regions > cerebellum. Regional time-activity curves were well fitted by the 2-tissue-compartment model and the multilinear analysis-1 (MA1) method to arrive at reliable estimates of regional distribution volume (VT) and binding potential (BPND) with 120 min of scan data. Regional VT values (MA1) ranged from 1.28 mL/cm(3) in the cerebellum to 3.71 mL/cm(3) in the putamen, with a BPND of 0.25 in the temporal cortex and 1.92 in the putamen. Regional BPND values estimated by the simplified reference tissue model (SRTM) were similar to those from MA1. Test-retest variability in high-binding regions (striatum) was 4% ± 6% for MA1 VT, 13% ± 6% for MA1 BPND, and 13% ± 7% SRTM BPND, respectively. Pretreatment of animals with the PDE2A inhibitor PF-05180999 resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of (18)F-PF-05270430 specific binding, with a half maximal effective concentration of 69.4 ng/mL in plasma PF-05180999 concentration. (18)F-PF-05270430 displayed fast and reversible kinetics in nonhuman primates, as well as specific binding blockable by a PDE2A inhibitor. This is the first PET tracer with desirable imaging properties and demonstrated ability to image and quantify PDE2A in vivo.

Tos-Nos-Mos: Synthesis of different aryl sulfonate precursors for the radiosynthesis of the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor radioligand [18F]NS14490

Radiopharmacological investigations of [18F]NS14490 have proven that this radiotracer could be a potential PET radiotracer for imaging of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor particularly with regard to vulnerable plaques of diseased vessels. For further optimisation of the previously automated one-pot radiosynthesis of [18F]NS14490 using a tosylate precursor, precursors with other leaving groups (nosylate and mosylate) were synthesized and compared with the tosylate with respect to their reactivities towards [18F]fluoride.The use of these different precursors resulted in comparable labelling yields of [18F]NS14490. A novel mosylate precursor was synthesized and evaluated, which has revealed a higher stability during a storage period of five months compared to the corresponding tosylate and nosylate.

Development of a New Radiofluorinated Quinoline Analog for PET Imaging of Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) in Brain.

Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are enzymes that play a major role in cell signalling by hydrolysing the secondary messengers cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and/or cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) throughout the body and brain. Altered cyclic nucleotide-mediated signalling has been associated with a wide array of disorders, including neurodegenerative disorders. Recently, PDE5 has been shown to be involved in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, but its precise role has not been elucidated yet. To visualize and quantify the expression of this enzyme in brain, we developed a radiotracer for specific PET imaging of PDE5. A quinoline-based lead compound has been structurally modified resulting in the fluoroethoxymethyl derivative ICF24027 with high inhibitory activity towards PDE5 (IC50 = 1.86 nM). Radiolabelling with fluorine-18 was performed by a one-step nucleophilic substitution reaction using a tosylate precursor (RCY(EOB) = 12.9% ± 1.8%; RCP > 99%; SA(EOS) = 70–126 GBq/μmol). In vitro autoradiographic studies of [18F]ICF24027 on different mouse tissue as well as on porcine brain slices demonstrated a moderate specific binding to PDE5. In vivo studies in mice revealed that [18F]ICF24027 was metabolized under formation of brain penetrable radiometabolites making the radiotracer unsuitable for PET imaging of PDE5 in brain.

Fully automated radiosynthesis of N1-[18F]fluoroethyl-tryptophan and study of its biological activity as a new potential substrate for indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase PET imaging

IntroductionIndoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) catalyzes the initial step in the catabolism of l-tryptophan along the kynurenine pathway and exerts immunosuppressive properties in inflammatory and tumor tissues by blocking locally T-lymphocyte proliferation. Recently, 1-(2-[19F]fluoroethyl)-dl-tryptophan (1-[19F]FE-dl-Trp) was reported as a good and specific substrate of this enzyme. Herein, the radiosynthesis of its radioactive isotopomer (1-[18F]FE-dl-Trp, dl-[18F]5) is presented along with in vitro enzymatic and cellular uptake studies. MethodsThe one-pot n.c.a. radiosynthesis of this novel potential PET imaging tracer, including HPLC purification and formulation, has been fully automated on a FASTlab™ synthesizer. Chiral separation of both isomers and their formulation were implemented on a second cassette. In vitro enzymatic and cellular uptake studies were then conducted with the d-, l- and dl-radiotracers. ResultsThe radiolabeling of the tosylate precursor was performed in DMF (in 5min; RCY: 57% (d.c.), n=3). After hydrolysis, HPLC purification and formulation, dl-[18F]5 was obtained with a global radiochemical yield of 18±3% (not decay corrected, n=7, in 80min) and a specific activity of 600±180GBq/μmol (n=5). The subsequent separation of l- and d-enantiomers was performed by chiral HPLC and both were obtained after formulation with an RCY (d.c.) of 6.1% and 5.8%, respectively. In vitro enzymatic assays reveal that l-[18F]5 is a better substrate than d-[18F]5 for human IDO. In vitro cellular assays show an IDO-specific uptake of the racemate varying from 30% to 50% of that of l-[18F]5, and a negligible uptake of d-[18F]5. ConclusionIn vitro studies show that l-[18F]5 is a good and specific substrate of hIDO, while presenting a very low efflux. These results confirm that l-[18F]5 could be a very useful PET radiotracer for IDO expressing cells in cancer imaging.

Conformationally Strained trans-Cyclooctene (sTCO) Enables the Rapid Construction of (18)F-PET Probes via Tetrazine Ligation.

The bioorthogonal reaction between tetrazines and trans-cyclooctenes is a method for the rapid construction of F-18 probes for PET imaging. Described here is a second generation 18F-labeling system based on a conformationally strained trans-cyclooctene (sTCO)—a dienophile that is approximately 2 orders of magnitude more reactive than conventional TCO dienophiles. Starting from a readily prepared tosylate precursor, an 18F labeled sTCO derivative (18F-sTCO) could be synthesized in 29.3 +/- 5.1% isolated yield and with high specific activity. Tetrazine ligation was carried out with a cyclic RGD-conjugate of a diphenyl-s-tetrazine analogue (RGD-Tz) chosen from a diene class with an excellent combination of fast reactivity and stability both for the diene as well as the Diels-Alder adduct. For both the tetrazine and the sTCO, mini-PEG spacers were included to enhance solubility and improve the in vivo distribution profile of the resulting probe. Extremely fast reactivity (up to 2.86 x 105 M-1s-1 at 25 °C in water) has been observed in kinetic studies in the reaction of sTCO with diphenyl-s-tetrazine derivatives. A kinetic study on sTCO diastereomers in 55:45 MeOH:water showed that the syn-diastereomer displayed slightly faster reactivity than the anti-diastereomer. An 18F-sTCO conjugate with RGD-Tz demonstrated prominent and persistent tumor uptake in vivo with good tumor-to-background contrast. Unlike most radiolabeled RGD peptides, the tumor uptake of this PET agent increased from 5.3 +/- 0.2% ID/g at 1 h post injection (p.i.), to 8.9 +/- 0.5% ID/g at 4 h p.i., providing evidence for prolonged blood circulation. These findings suggest that tetrazine ligations employing 18F-sTCO should serve as a powerful and general platform for the rapid construction of peptide or protein derived PET agents.

Synthesis and preclinical evaluation of an 18F labeled PDE7 inhibitor for PET neuroimaging

IntroductionPhosphodiesterase 7 (PDE7) hydrolyzes selectively cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) which is an intracellular second messenger. PDE7 is expressed by 2 genes which are both present in the brain. To date there is no radiotracer for PDE7 imaging described and detection of PDE7 has only been performed by ex vivo techniques. In this report we describe the radiosynthesis of a novel fluorine-18 labeled radiotracer for PDE7 as well as the in vivo evaluation in mice to verify whether it has potential for imaging of PDE7 in the brain. MethodsWe have synthesized a potent fluorinated PDE7 inhibitor, [18F]MICA-003 (PDE7 IC50=17nM) and the corresponding tosylate precursor for radiolabeling. [18F]MICA-003 was injected in C57BL/6J mice (n=5) and in vivo images were acquired by μPET imaging. Radiometabolite analysis in plasma and brain was performed to determine the stability of the radioligand. Results[18F]MICA-003 was synthesized by direct fluorination of the tosylate and produced in high decay corrected radiochemical yield (40%), high radiochemical purity (>98%) and high specific activity (86–497GBq/μmol). μPET imaging revealed that [18F]MICA-003 crosses the blood brain barrier and has a homogenous distribution over the brain which washes out after the initial peak uptake. [18F]MICA-003 was quickly metabolized in plasma with 8.9%±0.59% of intact [18F]MICA-003 remaining at 5min post injection. We observed the formation of three distinct radiometabolites of which the main radiometabolite was also detected in the brain in a proportion of 25.7±2.57% at this same time point. ConclusionWe have described the synthesis and in vivo evaluation of a novel radioligand for PDE7 imaging. Despite high uptake in the brain and favorable kinetics in vivo, the presence of a brain penetrant radiometabolite makes [18F]MICA-003 unfavorable for the accurate quantification of PDE7 and more stable spiroquinazolinones analogs are in development.

Synthesis and bioevaluation of 4-chloro-2-tert-butyl-5-[2-[[1-[2-[18F]fluroethyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]methyl]phenylmethoxy]-3(2H)-pyridazinone as potential myocardial perfusion imaging agent with PET

This study reports the synthesis and characterization of 4-chloro-2-tert-butyl-5-[2-[[1-[2-[(18) F]fluroethyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]methyl]phenylmethoxy]-3(2H)-pyridazinone ([(18) F]Fmp2) for myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). The tosylate precursor and non-radioactive compound [(19) F]Fmp2 were synthesized and characterized by infrared, (1) H-NMR, (13) C-NMR, and mass spectra (MS). The radiotracer [(18) F]Fmp2 was obtained by one-step nucleophilic substitution of tosyl with (18) F, and evaluated as an MPI agent in vitro and in vivo. Starting from [(18) F]KF/K222 solution, the typical decay-corrected radiochemical yield (RCY) was 38 ± 8.8% with high radiochemical purity (>98%). The specific activity was calculated as 10 GBq/µmol at the end of synthesis determined by HPLC analysis. In the mice biodistribution, [(18) F]Fmp2 showed very high initial heart uptake (53.35 ± 5.47 %ID/g at 2 min after injection) and remarkable retention. The heart/liver, heart/lung, and heart/blood ratios were 7.98, 8.20, and 53.13, respectively at 2 min post-injection. In the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging study of Chinese mini-swine, the standardized uptake value of the liver decreased modestly during the 2 h post-injection, while the heart uptake and heart/liver ratios continued to increase with time. [(18) F]Fmp2 exhibited good stability, high heart uptake and low lung uptake in mice and Chinese mini-swine. It may be worthy of further modification to improve liver clearance for MPI in the future.

Synthesis and evaluation of 4-[18F]fluoropropoxy-3-iodobenzylguanidine ([18F]FPOIBG): A novel 18F-labeled analogue of MIBG

IntroductionRadioiodinated meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG), a norepinephrine transporter (NET) substrate, has been extensively used as an imaging agent to study the pathophysiology of the heart and for the diagnosis and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors. The goal of this study was to develop an 18F-labeled analogue of MIBG that like MIBG itself could be synthesized in a single radiochemical step. Towards this end, we designed 4-fluoropropoxy-3-iodobenzylguanidine (FPOIBG). MethodsStandards of FPOIBG and 4-fluoropropoxy-3-bromobenzylguanidine (FPOBBG) as well as their tosylate precursors for labeling with 18F, and a tin precursor for the preparation of radioiodinated FPOIBG were synthesized. Radiolabeled derivatives were synthesized by nucleophilic substitution and electrophilic iododestannylation from the corresponding precursors. Labeled compounds were evaluated for NET transporter recognition in in vitro assays using three NET-expressing cell lines and in biodistribution experiments in normal mice, with all studies performed in a paired-label format. Competitive inhibition of [125I]MIBG uptake by unlabeled benzylguanidine compounds was performed in UVW-NAT cell line to determine IC50 values. Results[18F]FPOIBG was synthesized from the corresponding tosylate precursor in 5.2±0.5% (n=6) overall radiochemical yields starting with aqueous fluoride in about 105min. In a paired-label in vitro assay, the uptake of [18F]FPOIBG at 2h was 10.2±1.5%, 39.6±13.4%, and 13.3±2.5%, in NET-expressing SK-N-SH, UVW-NAT, and SK-N-BE(2c) cells, respectively, while these values for [125I]MIBG were 57.3±8.1%, 82.7±8.9%, and 66.3±3.6%. The specificity of uptake of both tracers was demonstrated by blocking with desipramine. The 125I-labeled congener of FPOIBG gave similar results. On the other hand, [18F]FPOBBG, a compound recently reported in the literature, demonstrated much higher uptake, albeit less than that of co-incubated [125I]MIBG. IC50 values for FPOIBG were higher than those obtained for MIBG and FPOBBG. Unlike the case with [18F]FPOBBG, the heart uptake [18F]FPOIBG in normal mice was significantly lower than that of MIBG. ConclusionAlthough [18F]FPOIBG does not appear to warrant further consideration as an 18F-labeled MIBG analogue, analogues wherein the iodine in it is replaced with a chlorine, fluorine or hydrogen might be worth pursuing. Advances in knowledge and implications for patient careAn 18F-labeled analogue of the well-known radiopharmaceutical MIBG could have significant impact, potentially improving imaging of NET related disease in cardiology and in the imaging of neuroendocrine tumors. Although 18F-labeled analogues of MIBG have been reported including LMI1195, we undertook this work hypothesizing that based on its greater structural similarity to MIBG, FPOIBG might be a better analogue than LMI1195.

Microwave-assisted radiosynthesis of the hypoxia marker 1-α-D-(5- deoxy-5-[18F]fluoroarabinofuranosyl)-2-nitroimidazole ([18F]FAZA).

The routine manufacture of most short-lived positron-emitting radiopharmaceuticals (PERs) involves conventional heating to accelerate the radiolabeling process. Nucleophilic radiofluorination reactions are generally slow at lower temperatures, and are accompanied by thermal decomposition of both precursor and product at higher temperatures. This necessitates HPLC purification and results in lower recovered radiochemical yields (rRCYs). [(18)F]FAZA, a PER for clinical imaging of focal tissue hypoxia, is routinely manufactured in-house in 3-12% rRCY using a Health Canada approved conventional heating procedure. The microwave-assisted (MW) radiosynthesis of [(18)F]FAZA is now reported. Manual (MRDS) and automated (ASU) reagent delivery systems coupled to a commercial MW unit were built in-house. The MW unit controlled power, irradiation time and monitored reaction temperature (Tmax control), while the acetylAZA tosylate precursor and QMA Accel(TM) cartridge eluent reagents (K2CO3, K2.2.2) were dispensed by the MRDS or ASU. The radiofluorination yields (RFYs) and the chemical and radiochemical TLC profiles of the post-labeling reaction mixtures were compared to those obtained using the conventional heating production method and to those reported for optimized literature methods. MW RFYs for [(18)F]FAZA reached >76% (n=3) in 3 min. Post-labeling analysis of the MW-assisted reaction mixtures demonstrated cleaner UV and radiochemical TLC profiles than those obtained from conventional heating in routine production runs; the relatively clean MW reactions allowed rapid HPLC isolation of [(18)F]FAZA in overall rRCYs of 55±4%. In practical terms, the MW process provided only small gains in reaction time and RFY, but produced only a few secondary impurities, thereby improving the rRCY in comparison to conventional heating methods. These findings provide a rationale for adaptation of the MW-assisted method for the routine production of clinical [(18)F]FAZA.

Imaging of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in brain and cerebral vasculature of juvenile pigs with [(18)F]NS14490.

BackgroundThe α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is an important molecular target in neuropsychiatry and oncology. Development of applicable highly specific radiotracers has been challenging due to comparably low protein expression. To identify novel ligands as candidates for positron emission tomography (PET), a library of diazabicyclononane compounds was screened regarding affinity and specificity towards α7 nAChRs. From these, [18F]NS14490 has been shown to yield reliable results in organ distribution studies; however, the radiosynthesis of [18F]NS14490 required optimization and automation to obtain the radiotracer in quantities allowing dynamic PET studies in piglets.MethodsAutomated radiosynthesis of [18F]NS14490 has been performed by [18F]fluorination with the tosylate precursor in the TRACERlab™ FX F-N synthesis module (Waukesha, WI, USA). After optimization, the radiochemical yield of [18F]NS14490 was consistently approximately 35%, and the total synthesis time was about 90 min. The radiotracer was prepared with >92% radiochemical purity, and the specific activity at the end of the synthesis was 226 ± 68 GBq μmol−1. PET measurements were performed in young pigs to investigate the metabolic stability and cerebral binding of [18F]NS14490 without and with administration of the α7 nAChR partial agonist NS6740 in baseline and blocking conditions.ResultsThe total distribution volume relative to the metabolite-corrected arterial input was 3.5 to 4.0 mL g−1 throughout the telencephalon and was reduced to 2.6 mL g−1 in animals treated with NS6740. Assuming complete blockade, this displacement indicated a binding potential (BPND) of approximately 0.5 in the brain of living pigs. In addition, evidence for specific binding in major brain arteries has been obtained.Conclusion[18F]NS14490 is not only comparable to other preclinically investigated PET radiotracers for imaging of α7 nAChR in brain but also could be a potential PET radiotracer for imaging of α7 nAChR in vulnerable plaques of diseased vessels.

Automated one-step radiosynthesis of the CB1 receptor imaging agent [(18) F]MK-9470.

The fluorine-18-labeled positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer [(18) F]MK-9470 is a selective, high affinity inverse agonist that has been used to image the cannabinoid receptor type 1 in human brain in healthy and disease states. This report describes a simplified, one-step [(18) F]radiofluorination approach using a GE TRACERlab FXFN module for the routine production of this tracer. The one-step synthesis, by [(18) F]fluoride displacement of a primary tosylate precursor, gives a six-fold increase in yield over the previous two-step method employing O-alkylation of a phenol precursor with 1,2-[(18) F]fluorobromoethane. The average radiochemical yield of [(18) F]MK-9470 using the one-step method was 30.3 ± 11.7% (n = 12), with specific activity in excess of 6 Ci/µmol and radiochemical purity of 97.2 ± 1.5% (n = 12), in less than 60 min. This simplified, high yielding, automated process was validated for routine GMP production of [(18) F]MK-9470 for clinical studies.

Distinctive in vivo kinetics of the new σ1 receptor ligands (R)-(+)- and (S)-(-)-18F-fluspidine in porcine brain.

Because of their involvement in growth and survival signaling cascades, the σ(1) receptors (σ(1)Rs) represent a novel target for the treatment of cancer and several brain diseases such as depression and neurodegeneration. From a series of σ1R-specific (18)F-fluoroalkylated spirocyclic piperidines, we have chosen (18)F-fluspidine for detailed investigation of the in vivo kinetics of the (R)-(+)- and (S)-(-)-enantiomers to identify their potential for imaging in humans. Enantiopure tosylate precursors for radiolabeling were obtained using chiral preparative high-performance liquid chromatography and used for radiosynthesis of both (18)F-fluspidine enantiomers by nucleophilic substitution with K-(18)F-F-Kryptofix 222-carbonate complex in a synthesis module. Brain pharmacokinetics were investigated by dynamic PET studies in piglets under baseline and blocking conditions using the highly selective σ1R agonist SA4503. Standardized uptake values (SUVs) were calculated for 24 MR-defined brain regions. Total distribution volume (V(T)) and binding potentials (k3'/k4) of (S)-(-)- and (R)-(+)-(18)F-fluspidine were estimated. Furthermore, V(T) values were estimated by graphical analysis using Logan plots. The (S)- and (R)-tosylates were obtained in excellent enantiomeric purities (>98% and >96% enantiomeric excess, respectively). (S)-(-)- and (R)-(+)-(18)F-fluspidine were synthesized within approximately 70 min (radiochemical yield, 35%-45%; specific activity, 650-870 GBq/μmol; radiochemical purity, >99%). Both radiotracers displayed different brain uptake kinetics. Although the initial brain uptake was similar, the SUV at the end of the study differed significantly (P < 0.05), with (R)-(+)-(18)F-fluspidine showing about 60%-150% higher values. Administration of SA4503 reduced SUV almost equally for both radiotracers by approximately 65%. Furthermore, k(3)' was significantly decreased under blocking conditions in almost all regions ((S)-(-)-(18)F-fluspidine, -90%-95%; (R)-(+)-(18)F-fluspidine, -70%-90%) whereas effects on k(4) differed according to the particular brain region. V(T) estimated by both graphical analysis using Logan plots and full nonlinear kinetic analysis revealed significant inhibition for both radiotracers under blocking conditions. Both (S)-(-)- and (R)-(+)-(18)F-fluspidine appear to be suitable for σ1R imaging in humans. The different pharmacokinetics of (S)-(-)-(18)F-fluspidine and (R)-(+)-(18)F-fluspidine may have the potential for application in the diagnostics of different pathologic conditions.

Routine production of [(18)f]flumazenil from iodonium tosylate using a sample pretreatment method: a 2.5-year production report.

[(18)F]Flumazenil, which has the advantage of a longer half-life than [(11)C]flumazenil, is well known for determining of the central benzodiazepine receptor concentrations. However, [(18)F]flumazenil has not been widely used because fluctuating and relatively low yields render automatic production insufficient for routine and multicenter clinical trials. Here, we describe the results of a 2.5-year production study of [(18)F]flumazenil using an iodonium tosylate precursor, which allowed us to overcome the limitations of low and fluctuating radiochemical yields. We developed a clinically applicable production system by modifying a commercial synthesizer for the reliable and reproducible production of [(18)F]flumazenil for routine clinical studies. [(18)F]Flumazenil was prepared at 150°C for 5min in the presence of 4-methylphenyl-mazenil iodonium tosylate (4mg), a radical scavenger (TEMPO, 1mg), and [(18)F]KF/kryptofix 2.2.2 complex in N,N-dimethylformamide (1ml). In the purification step, the final mixture was pretreated using different cartridges before performing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation. Finally, we measured the radiochemical yield and performed quality-control assays on 94 batches. After carrying out additional purification before HPLC separation using a C18 plus Sep-Pak cartridge, the radiochemical yield of [(18)F]flumazenil increased from 34.4 ± 9.7% (without the pretreatment, n = 24) to 53.4 ± 9.0% (n = 94), and the lifetime of the semi-preparative column was five times that of the column without the C18 plus Sep-Pak cartridge. The mean-specific activity of [(18)F]flumazenil was 572 ± 116GBq/μmol at the end of synthesis, and the radiochemical purity was more than 99%, as determined by analytical HPLC and radio-TLC. [(18)F]Flumazenil prepared using this method satisfied all quality-control test standards and was highly stable for up to 6h after preparation. The results of the 2.5-year production study using an iodonium tosylate precursor indicate that [(18)F]flumazenil has commercial and routine clinical applicability.

PET radiotracer [18F]-P6 selectively targeting COX-1 as a novel biomarker in ovarian cancer: Preliminary investigation

Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), but not COX-2, is expressed at high levels in the early stages of human epithelial ovarian cancer where it seems to play a key role in cancer onset and progression. As a consequence, COX-1 is an ideal biomarker for early ovarian cancer detection. A series of novel fluorinated COX-1-targeted imaging agents derived from P6 was developed by using a highly selective COX-1 inhibitor as a lead compound. Among these new compounds, designed by structural modification of P6, 3-(5-chlorofuran-2-yl)-5-(fluoromethyl)-4-phenylisoxazole ([18/19F]-P6) is the most promising derivative [IC50 = 2.0 μM (purified oCOX-1) and 1.37 μM (hOVCAR-3 cell COX-1)]. Its tosylate precursor was also prepared and, a method for radio[18F]chemistry was developed and optimized. The radiochemistry was carried out using a carrier-free K18F/Kryptofix 2.2.2 complex, that afforded [18F]-P6 in good radiochemical yield (18%) and high purity (>95%). In vivo PET/CT imaging data showed that the radiotracer [18F]-P6 was selectively taken up by COX-1-expressing ovarian carcinoma (OVCAR 3) tumor xenografts as compared with the normal leg muscle. Our results suggest that [18F]-P6 might be an useful radiotracer in preclinical and clinical settings for in vivo PET-CT imaging of tissues that express elevated levels of COX-1.