Synthra MeIPlus Research with HCN/CO Options and Radchrom Plus for the UAB Cyclotron Facility

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Project Summary This proposal seeks support to procure and install a new radiopharmaceutical synthesizer (Synthra Radchrom Plus) capable of producing 11C-radiolabeled drugs for preclinical (small animal imaging) studies and for Phase 0/I/II clinical trials for imaging researchers. Carbon-11 imaging agents are essential for multitude of NIH and other federal and foundation funded research at UAB and due to the short half-life of 11C, the synthesis of these agents must occur onsite. The module will be housed within the UAB cyclotron facility and maintained and operated by highly trained technical staff. The University of Alabama at Birmingham has made significant investments in the infrastructure of molecular imaging including a TR24 cyclotron, PET/CT and PET MRI scanners and a full GMP radiopharmaceutical production facility including a standalone, radiopharmacy. As research studies using 11C compounds have greatly expanded at UAB, the new module will enable the onboarding and robust availability of 11C-imaging agents. In order to maintain and expand upon our current level of high-quality research and to continue to make novel advancements, the acquisition of the Synthra Radchrom Plus is critical for at least 8 NIH funded researchers and a number of additional researchers including a mix of senior and early stage investigators. The new synthesizer will support a wide range of 11C-labeling methods including direct labeling of Grignard reagents (such as for the preparation of 11C-Acetate) and conversion of 11C-CO2 to 11C-Methane, 11C-Methyl iodide and/or 11C-Methyl Triflate, which can be used for a tracers important for NIH funded research such as, 11C-Pittsburgh Compound B ([11C]PiB) used for imaging of amyloid deposition in the brain and 11C-UCB-J, used for imaging synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) density in patients with neurodegenerative disease. This proposal is being strongly supported by the University with dedicated space and significant funds ($30,000) from a variety of departments and centers to help support this advancement. Continued support of current ongoing projects, while broadening and extending capabilities to foster new projects is the ultimate goal of the present application.