Innovative 18F-labeled Norepinephrine analog PET tracers for broad diagnostic applications in neurology, cardiology and oncology

Positron emission tomography (PET) is an important imaging method in clinical medicine allowing, amongst others, the 3D mapping of molecular and cellular processes. With its high sensitivity and high temporal and spatial resolution, PET is constantly gaining importance as a state-of-the art diagnostic tool. Conventional research use PET tracer molecules are mostly based on ¹¹C labeled substances, which come with a significant drawback for clinical use. Their short half-lives (20 min) require on-site quick synthesis and a direct patient administration.

Numerous significant diseases such as neuroblastoma, Parkinson’s disease and heart failure are known to be associated with norepinephrine transporter (NET) expression. For early and precise diagnosis and prognosis of the above-mentioned diseases, the challenge lies in finding a NET-specific PET tracer, which combines high patient tolerance and superior tracing properties with a long half-life and moderate production costs.

Here, we present a novel ¹⁸F labeled NET-specific PET tracer, which is synthesized using a simple 1-step protocol and allows sufficient time for flexible synthesis and administration protocols and even possibility to deliver from particle accelerator facility to hospital . Both ex vivo autoradiography and in vivo imaging show specific NET uptake and indicate promising properties for the broad applicability of this novel tracer. Comparable 18F labeled PET tracers in early clinical development have already shown both high tolerance and favorable bio-distribution.

Innovative PET tracers with broad diagnostic purposes in

• Neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases (e.g. Parkinson’s, ADHS)
• Heart diseases (Heart failure, Ischemic heart diseases)
• Different tumors

Proof of concept in vitro and in animal models.