Radiosynthesis and biological evaluation of [18F]AG-120 for PET imaging of the mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 in glioma.

Glioma are clinically challenging tumors due to their location and invasiveness nature, which often hinder complete surgical resection. The evaluation of the isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation status has become crucial for effective patient stratification. Through a transdisciplinary approach, we have developed an 18F-labeled ligand for non-invasive assessment of the IDH1R132H variant by using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. In this study, we have successfully prepared diastereomerically pure [18F]AG-120 by copper-mediated radiofluorination of the stannyl precursor 6 on a TRACERlab FX2 N radiosynthesis module. In vitro internalization studies demonstrated significantly higher uptake of [18F]AG-120 in U251 human high-grade glioma cells with stable overexpression of mutant IDH1 (IDH1R132H) compared to their wild-type IDH1 counterpart (0.4 vs. 0.013% applied dose/µg protein at 120 min). In vivo studies conducted in mice, exhibited the excellent metabolic stability of [18F]AG-120, with parent fractions of 85% and 91% in plasma and brain at 30 min p.i., respectively. Dynamic PET studies with [18F]AG-120 in naïve mice and orthotopic glioma rat model reveal limited blood-brain barrier permeation along with a low uptake in the brain tumor. Interestingly, there was no significant difference in uptake between mutant IDH1R132H and wild-type IDH1 tumors (tumor-to-blood ratio[40-60 min]: ~1.7 vs. ~1.3). In conclusion, our preclinical evaluation demonstrated a target-specific internalization of [18F]AG-120 in vitro, a high metabolic stability in vivo in mice, and a slightly higher accumulation of activity in IDH1R132H-glioma compared to IDH1-glioma. Overall, our findings contribute to advancing the field of molecular imaging and encourage the evaluation of [18F]AG-120 to improve diagnosis and management of glioma and other IDH1R132H-related tumors.

Improved protocol for the radiosynthesis of [18 F]FTC-146: A potent and selective sigma-1 receptor radioligand.

[18 F]FTC-146 was introduced as a very potent and selective sigma-1 receptor radioligand, which has shown promising application as an imaging agent for neuropathic pain with positron emission tomography. In line with a multi-laboratory project on animal welfare, we chose this radioligand to investigate its potential for detecting neuropathic pain and tissue damage in tumor-bearing animals. However, the radiochemical yield (RCY) of around 4-7% was not satisfactory to us, and efforts were made to improve it. Herein, we describe an improved approach for the radiosynthesis of [18 F]FTC-146 resulting in a RCY, which is sevenfold higher than that previously reported. A tosylate precursor was synthesized and radio-fluorination experiments were performed via aliphatic nucleophilic substitution reactions using either K[18 F]F-Kryptofix®222 (K2.2.2 )-carbonate system or tetra-n-butylammonium [18 F]fluoride ([18 F]TBAF). Several parameters affecting the radiolabeling reaction such as solvent, 18 F-fluorination agent with the corresponding amount of base, labeling time, and temperature were investigated. Best labeling reaction conditions were found to be [18 F]TBAF and acetonitrile as solvent at 100°C. The new protocol was then translated to an automated procedure using a FX2 N synthesis module. Finally, the radiotracer reproducibly obtained with RCYs of 41.7 ± 4.4% in high radiochemical purity (>98%) and molar activities up to 171 GBq/µmol.

Efficacy and safety of cotadutide, a dual glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucagon receptor agonist, in a randomized phase 2a study of patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

AIM: To assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of cotadutide in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this phase 2a study (NCT03550378), patients with body mass index 25-45 kg/m2 , estimated glomerular filtration rate 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m2 and type 2 diabetes [glycated haemoglobin 6.5-10.5% (48-91 mmol/mol)] controlled with insulin and/or oral therapy combination, were randomized 1:1 to once-daily subcutaneous cotadutide (50-300 µg) or placebo for 32 days. The primary endpoint was plasma glucose concentration assessed using a mixed-meal tolerance test. RESULTS: Participants receiving cotadutide (n = 21) had significant reductions in the mixed-meal tolerance test area under the glucose concentration-time curve (-26.71% vs. +3.68%, p < .001), more time in target glucose range on continuous glucose monitoring (+14.79% vs. -21.23%, p = .001) and significant reductions in absolute bodyweight (-3.41 kg vs. -0.13 kg, p < .001) versus placebo (n = 20). In patients with baseline micro- or macroalbuminuria (n = 18), urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratios decreased by 51% at day 32 with cotadutide versus placebo (p = .0504). No statistically significant difference was observed in mean change in estimated glomerular filtration rate between treatments. Mild/moderate adverse events occurred in 71.4% of participants receiving cotadutide and 35.0% receiving placebo. CONCLUSIONS: We established the efficacy of cotadutide in this patient population, with significantly improved postprandial glucose control and reduced bodyweight versus placebo. Reductions in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratios suggest potential benefits of cotadutide on kidney function, supporting further evaluation in larger, longer-term clinical trials.

Automated radiosynthesis of the adenosine A2A receptor-targeting radiotracer [18 F]FLUDA.

[18 F]FLUDA is a selective radiotracer for in vivo imaging of the adenosine A2A receptor (A2A R) by positron emission tomography (PET). Promising preclinical results obtained by neuroimaging of mice and piglets suggest the translation of [18 F]FLUDA to human PET studies. Thus, we report herein a remotely controlled automated radiosynthesis of [18 F]FLUDA using a GE TRACERlab FX2 N radiosynthesizer. The radiotracer was obtained by a one-pot two-step radiofluorination procedure with a radiochemical yield of 9±1%, a radiochemical purity of ≥99%, and molar activities in the range of 69-333 GBq/µmol at the end of synthesis within a total synthesis time of approx. 95 min (n = 16). Altogether, we successfully established a reliable and reproducible procedure for the automated production of [18 F]FLUDA.

Novel Radioiodinated and Radiofluorinated Analogues of FT-2102 for SPECT or PET Imaging of mIDH1 Mutant Tumours.

Isocitrate dehydrogenases (IDHs) are metabolic enzymes commonly mutated in human cancers (glioma, acute myeloid leukaemia, chondrosarcoma, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma). These mutated variants of IDH (mIDH) acquire a neomorphic activity, namely, conversion of α-ketoglutarate to the oncometabolite D-2-hydroxyglutarate involved in tumourigenesis. Thus, mIDHs have emerged as highly promising therapeutic targets, and several mIDH specific inhibitors have been developed. However, the evaluation of mIDH status, currently performed by biopsy, is essential for patient stratification and thus treatment and follow-up. We report herein the development of new radioiodinated and radiofluorinated analogues of olutasidenib (FT-2102) as tools for noninvasive single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of mIDH1 up- and dysregulation in tumours. Nonradiolabelled derivatives 2 and 3 halogenated at position 6 of the quinolinone scaffold were synthesised and tested in vitro for their inhibitory potencies and selectivities in comparison with the lead compound FT-2102. Using a common organotin precursor, (S)-[125I]2 and (S)-[18F]3 were efficiently synthesised by radio-iododemetallation and copper-mediated radiofluorination, respectively. Both radiotracers were stable at room temperature in saline or DPBS solution and at 37 °C in mouse serum, allowing future planning of their in vitro and in vivo evaluations in glioma and chondrosarcoma models.

Improved in vivo PET imaging of the adenosine A2A receptor in the brain using [18F]FLUDA, a deuterated radiotracer with high metabolic stability.

PURPOSE: The adenosine A2A receptor has emerged as a therapeutic target for multiple diseases, and thus the non-invasive imaging of the expression or occupancy of the A2A receptor has potential to contribute to diagnosis and drug development. We aimed at the development of a metabolically stable A2A receptor radiotracer and report herein the preclinical evaluation of [18F]FLUDA, a deuterated isotopologue of [18F]FESCH. METHODS: [18F]FLUDA was synthesized by a two-step one-pot approach and evaluated in vitro by autoradiographic studies as well as in vivo by metabolism and dynamic PET/MRI studies in mice and piglets under baseline and blocking conditions. A single-dose toxicity study was performed in rats. RESULTS: [18F]FLUDA was obtained with a radiochemical yield of 19% and molar activities of 72-180 GBq/µmol. Autoradiography proved A2A receptor-specific accumulation of [18F]FLUDA in the striatum of a mouse and pig brain. In vivo evaluation in mice revealed improved stability of [18F]FLUDA compared to that of [18F]FESCH, resulting in the absence of brain-penetrant radiometabolites. Furthermore, the radiometabolites detected in piglets are expected to have a low tendency for brain penetration. PET/MRI studies confirmed high specific binding of [18F]FLUDA towards striatal A2A receptor with a maximum specific-to-non-specific binding ratio in mice of 8.3. The toxicity study revealed no adverse effects of FLUDA up to 30 µg/kg, ~ 4000-fold the dose applied in human PET studies using [18F]FLUDA. CONCLUSIONS: The new radiotracer [18F]FLUDA is suitable to detect the availability of the A2A receptor in the brain with high target specificity. It is regarded ready for human application.

Challenges on Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases Imaging with Positron Emission Tomography: Novel Radioligands and (Pre-)Clinical Insights since 2016.

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) represent one of the key targets in the research field of intracellular signaling related to the second messenger molecules cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and/or cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Hence, non-invasive imaging of this enzyme class by positron emission tomography (PET) using appropriate isoform-selective PDE radioligands is gaining importance. This methodology enables the in vivo diagnosis and staging of numerous diseases associated with altered PDE density or activity in the periphery and the central nervous system as well as the translational evaluation of novel PDE inhibitors as therapeutics. In this follow-up review, we summarize the efforts in the development of novel PDE radioligands and highlight (pre-)clinical insights from PET studies using already known PDE radioligands since 2016.

Preclinical Evaluation of [18F]FACH in Healthy Mice and Piglets: An 18F-Labeled Ligand for Imaging of Monocarboxylate Transporters with PET.

The expression of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) is linked to pathophysiological changes in diseases, including cancer, such that MCTs could potentially serve as diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets. We recently developed [18F]FACH as a radiotracer for non-invasive molecular imaging of MCTs by positron emission tomography (PET). The aim of this study was to evaluate further the specificity, metabolic stability, and pharmacokinetics of [18F]FACH in healthy mice and piglets. We measured the [18F]FACH plasma protein binding fractions in mice and piglets and the specific binding in cryosections of murine kidney and lung. The biodistribution of [18F]FACH was evaluated by tissue sampling ex vivo and by dynamic PET/MRI in vivo, with and without pre-treatment by the MCT inhibitor α-CCA-Na or the reference compound, FACH-Na. Additionally, we performed compartmental modelling of the PET signal in kidney cortex and liver. Saturation binding studies in kidney cortex cryosections indicated a KD of 118 ± 12 nM and Bmax of 6.0 pmol/mg wet weight. The specificity of [18F]FACH uptake in the kidney cortex was confirmed in vivo by reductions in AUC0-60min after pre-treatment with α-CCA-Na in mice (-47%) and in piglets (-66%). [18F]FACH was metabolically stable in mouse, but polar radio-metabolites were present in plasma and tissues of piglets. The [18F]FACH binding potential (BPND) in the kidney cortex was approximately 1.3 in mice. The MCT1 specificity of [18F]FACH uptake was confirmed by displacement studies in 4T1 cells. [18F]FACH has suitable properties for the detection of the MCTs in kidney, and thus has potential as a molecular imaging tool for MCT-related pathologies, which should next be assessed in relevant disease models.

Development of a Radiofluorinated Adenosine A2B Receptor Antagonist as Potential Ligand for PET Imaging.

The adenosine A2B receptor has been proposed as a novel therapeutic target in cancer, as its expression is drastically elevated in several tumors and cancer cells. Noninvasive molecular imaging via positron emission tomography (PET) would allow the in vivo quantification of this receptor in pathological processes and most likely enable the identification and clinical monitoring of respective cancer therapies. On the basis of a bicyclic pyridopyrimidine-2,4-dione core structure, the new adenosine A2B receptor ligand 9 was synthesized, containing a 2-fluoropyridine moiety suitable for labeling with the short-lived PET radionuclide fluorine-18. Compound 9 showed a high binding affinity for the human A2B receptor (Ki(A2B) = 2.51 nM), along with high selectivities versus the A1, A2A, and A3 receptor subtypes. Therefore, it was radiofluorinated via nucleophilic aromatic substitution of the corresponding nitro precursor using [18F]F-/K2.2.2./K2CO3 in DMSO at 120 °C. Metabolic studies of [18F]9 in mice revealed about 60% of radiotracer intact in plasma at 30 minutes p.i. A preliminary PET study in healthy mice showed an overall biodistribution of [18F]9, corresponding to the known ubiquitous but low expression of the A2B receptor. Consequently, [18F]9 represents a novel PET radiotracer with high affinity and selectivity toward the adenosine A2B receptor and a suitable in vivo profile. Subsequent studies are envisaged to investigate the applicability of [18F]9 to detect alterations in the receptor density in certain cancer-related disease models.

PET Imaging of the Adenosine A2A Receptor in the Rotenone-Based Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease with [18F]FESCH Synthesized by a Simplified Two-Step One-Pot Radiolabeling Strategy.

The adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) is regarded as a particularly appropriate target for non-dopaminergic treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). An increased A2AR availability has been found in the human striatum at early stages of PD and in patients with PD and dyskinesias. The aim of this small animal positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance (PET/MR) imaging study was to investigate whether rotenone-treated mice reflect the aspect of striatal A2AR upregulation in PD. For that purpose, we selected the known A2AR-specific radiotracer [18F]FESCH and developed a simplified two-step one-pot radiosynthesis. PET images showed a high uptake of [18F]FESCH in the mouse striatum. Concomitantly, metabolism studies with [18F]FESCH revealed the presence of a brain-penetrant radiometabolite. In rotenone-treated mice, a slightly higher striatal A2AR binding of [18F]FESCH was found. Nonetheless, the correlation between the increased A2AR levels within the proposed PD animal model remains to be further investigated.

Preclinical Incorporation Dosimetry of [18F]FACH-A Novel 18F-Labeled MCT1/MCT4 Lactate Transporter Inhibitor for Imaging Cancer Metabolism with PET.

Overexpression of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) has been shown for a variety of human cancers (e.g., colon, brain, breast, and kidney) and inhibition resulted in intracellular lactate accumulation, acidosis, and cell death. Thus, MCTs are promising targets to investigate tumor cancer metabolism with positron emission tomography (PET). Here, the organ doses (ODs) and the effective dose (ED) of the first 18F-labeled MCT1/MCT4 inhibitor were estimated in juvenile pigs. Whole-body dosimetry was performed in three piglets (age: ~6 weeks, weight: ~13-15 kg). The animals were anesthetized and subjected to sequential hybrid Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography (PET/CT) up to 5 h after an intravenous (iv) injection of 156 ± 54 MBq [18F]FACH. All relevant organs were defined by volumes of interest. Exponential curves were fitted to the time-activity data. Time and mass scales were adapted to the human order of magnitude and the ODs calculated using the ICRP 89 adult male phantom with OLINDA 2.1. The ED was calculated using tissue weighting factors as published in Publication 103 of the International Commission of Radiation Protection (ICRP103). The highest organ dose was received by the urinary bladder (62.6 ± 28.9 µSv/MBq), followed by the gall bladder (50.4 ± 37.5 µSv/MBq) and the pancreas (30.5 ± 27.3 µSv/MBq). The highest contribution to the ED was by the urinary bladder (2.5 ± 1.1 µSv/MBq), followed by the red marrow (1.7 ± 0.3 µSv/MBq) and the stomach (1.3 ± 0.4 µSv/MBq). According to this preclinical analysis, the ED to humans is 12.4 µSv/MBq when applying the ICRP103 tissue weighting factors. Taking into account that preclinical dosimetry underestimates the dose to humans by up to 40%, the conversion factor applied for estimation of the ED to humans would rise to 20.6 µSv/MBq. In this case, the ED to humans upon an iv application of ~300 MBq [18F]FACH would be about 6.2 mSv. This risk assessment encourages the translation of [18F]FACH into clinical study phases and the further investigation of its potential as a clinical tool for cancer imaging with PET.

Development of Novel Analogs of the Monocarboxylate Transporter Ligand FACH and Biological Validation of One Potential Radiotracer for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging.

Monocarboxylate transporters 1-4 (MCT1-4) are involved in several metabolism-related diseases, especially cancer, providing the chance to be considered as relevant targets for diagnosis and therapy. [18F]FACH was recently developed and showed very promising preclinical results as a potential positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer for imaging of MCTs. Given that [18F]FACH did not show high blood-brain barrier permeability, the current work is aimed to investigate whether more lipophilic analogs of FACH could improve brain uptake for imaging of gliomas, while retaining binding to MCTs. The 2-fluoropyridinyl-substituted analogs 1 and 2 were synthesized and their MCT1 inhibition was estimated by [14C]lactate uptake assay on rat brain endothelial-4 (RBE4) cells. While compounds 1 and 2 showed lower MCT1 inhibitory potencies than FACH (IC50 = 11 nM) by factors of 11 and 25, respectively, 1 (IC50 = 118 nM) could still be a suitable PET candidate. Therefore, 1 was selected for radiosynthesis of [18F]1 and subsequent biological evaluation for imaging of the MCT expression in mouse brain. Regarding lipophilicity, the experimental log D7.4 result for [18F]1 agrees pretty well with its predicted value. In vivo and in vitro studies revealed high uptake of the new radiotracer in kidney and other peripheral MCT-expressing organs together with significant reduction by using specific MCT1 inhibitor α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid. Despite a higher lipophilicity of [18F]1 compared to [18F]FACH, the in vivo brain uptake of [18F]1 was in a similar range, which is reflected by calculated BBB permeabilities as well through similar transport rates by MCTs on RBE4 cells. Further investigation is needed to clarify the MCT-mediated transport mechanism of these radiotracers in brain.

Targeting cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) in brain: Toward the development of a PET radioligand labeled with fluorine-18.

With the aim to develop a specific radioligand for imaging the cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) in brain by positron emission tomography (PET), seven new fluorinated inhibitors (3-9) were synthesized on the basis of a quinoline core. The inhibitory activity for PDE5 together with a panel of other PDEs was determined in vitro and two derivatives were selected for IC50 value determination. The most promising compound 7 (IC50 = 5.92 nM for PDE5A), containing a 3-fluoroazetidine moiety, was further radiolabeled by aliphatic nucleophilic substitution of two different leaving groups (nosylate and tosylate) using [18F]fluoride. The use of the nosylate precursor and tetra-n-butyl ammonium [18F]fluoride ([18F]TBAF) in 3-methyl-3-pentanol combined with the addition of a small amount of water proved to be the best radiolabeling conditions achieving a RCY of 4.9 ±â€¯1.5% in an automated procedure. Preliminary biological investigations in vitro and in vivo were performed to characterize this new PDE5 radioligand. Metabolism studies of [18F]7 in mice revealed a fast metabolic degradation with the formation of radiometabolites which have been detected in the brain.

Development and radiosynthesis of the first 18 F-labeled inhibitor of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs).

Monocarboxylate transporters 1 and 4 (MCT1 and MCT4) are involved in tumor development and progression. Their expression levels are related to clinical disease prognosis. Accordingly, both MCTs are promising drug targets for treatment of a variety of human cancers. The noninvasive imaging of these MCTs in cancers is regarded to be advantageous for assessing MCT-mediated effects on chemotherapy and radiosensitization using specific MCT inhibitors. Herein, we describe a method for the radiosynthesis of [18 F]FACH ((E)-2-cyano-3-{4-[(3-[18 F]fluoropropyl)(propyl)amino]-2-methoxyphenyl}acrylic acid), as a novel radiolabeled MCT1/4 inhibitor for imaging with PET. A fluorinated analog of α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (FACH) was synthesized, and the inhibition of MCT1 and MCT4 was measured via an L-[14 C]lactate uptake assay. Radiolabeling was performed by a two-step protocol comprising the radiosynthesis of the intermediate (E)/(Z)-[18 F]tert-Bu-FACH (tert-butyl (E)/(Z)-2-cyano-3-{4-[(3-[18 F]fluoropropyl)(propyl)amino]-2-methoxyphenyl}acrylate) followed by deprotection of the tert-butyl group. The radiofluorination was successfully implemented using either K[18 F]F-K2.2.2 -carbonate or [18 F]TBAF. The final deprotected product [18 F]FACH was only obtained when [18 F]tert-Bu-FACH was formed by the latter procedure. After optimization of the deprotection reaction, [18 F]FACH was obtained in high radiochemical yields (39.6 ± 8.3%, end of bombardment (EOB) and radiochemical purity (greater than 98%).

Radiosynthesis and Biological Investigation of a Novel Fluorine-18 Labeled Benzoimidazotriazine- Based Radioligand for the Imaging of Phosphodiesterase 2A with Positron Emission Tomography.

A specific radioligand for the imaging of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 2A (PDE2A) via positron emission tomography (PET) would be helpful for research on the physiology and disease-related changes in the expression of this enzyme in the brain. In this report, the radiosynthesis of a novel PDE2A radioligand and the subsequent biological evaluation were described. Our prospective compound 1-(2-chloro-5-methoxy phenyl)-8-(2-fluoropyridin-4-yl)-3- methylbenzo[e]imidazo[5,1-c][1,2,4]triazine, benzoimidazotriazine (BIT1) (IC50 PDE2A = 3.33 nM; 16-fold selectivity over PDE10A) was fluorine-18 labeled via aromatic nucleophilic substitution of the corresponding nitro precursor using the K[18F]F-K2.2.2-carbonate complex system. The new radioligand [18F]BIT1 was obtained with a high radiochemical yield (54 ± 2%, n = 3), a high radiochemical purity (≥99%), and high molar activities (155-175 GBq/µmol, n = 3). In vitro autoradiography on pig brain cryosections exhibited a heterogeneous spatial distribution of [18F]BIT1 corresponding to the known pattern of expression of PDE2A. The investigation of in vivo metabolism of [18F]BIT1 in a mouse revealed sufficient metabolic stability. PET studies in mouse exhibited a moderate brain uptake of [18F]BIT1 with a maximum standardized uptake value of ~0.7 at 5 minutes p.i. However, in vivo blocking studies revealed a non-target specific binding of [18F]BIT1. Therefore, further structural modifications are needed to improve target selectivity.

Synthesis and radiofluorination of novel fluoren-9-one based derivatives for the imaging of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor with PET.

By structure-activity relationship studies on the tilorone scaffold, the 'one armed' substituted dibenzothiophenes and the fluoren-9-ones were identified as the most potential α7 nAChR ligands. While the suitability of dibenzothiophene derivatives as PET tracers is recognized, the potential of fluoren-9-ones is insufficiently investigated. We herein report on a series of fluoren-9-one based derivatives targeting α7 nAChR with compounds 8a and 8c possessing the highest affinity and selectivity. Accordingly, with [18F]8a and [18F]8c we designed and initially evaluated the first fluoren-9-one derived α7 nAChR selective PET ligands. A future application of these radioligands is facilitated by the herein presented successful implementation of fully automated radiosynthesis.

Radiosynthesis and in vivo evaluation of a fluorine-18 labeled pyrazine based radioligand for PET imaging of the adenosine A2B receptor.

On the basis of a pyrazine core structure, three new adenosine A2B receptor ligands (7a-c) were synthesized containing a 2-fluoropyridine moiety suitable for 18F-labeling. Compound 7a was docked into a homology model of the A2B receptor based on X-ray structures of the related A2A receptor, and its interactions with the adenosine binding site were rationalized. Binding affinity data were determined at the four human adenosine receptor subtypes. Despite a rather low selectivity regarding the A1 receptor, 7a was radiolabeled as the most suitable candidate (Ki(A2B) = 4.24 nM) in order to perform in vivo studies in mice with the aim to estimate fundamental pharmacokinetic characteristics of the compound class. Organ distribution studies and a single PET study demonstrated brain uptake of [18F]7a with a standardized uptake value (SUV) of ≈1 at 5 min post injection followed by a fast wash out. Metabolism studies of [18F]7a in mice revealed the formation of a blood-brain barrier penetrable radiometabolite, which could be structurally identified. The results of this study provide an important basis for the design of new derivatives with improved binding properties and metabolic stability in vivo.

Investigation of an 18F-labelled Imidazopyridotriazine for Molecular Imaging of Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterase 2A.

Specific radioligands for in vivo visualization and quantification of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 2A (PDE2A) by positron emission tomography (PET) are increasingly gaining interest in brain research. Herein we describe the synthesis, the 18F-labelling as well as the biological evaluation of our latest PDE2A (radio-)ligand 9-(5-Butoxy-2-fluorophenyl)-2-(2-([18F])fluoroethoxy)-7-methylimidazo[5,1-c]pyrido[2,3-e][1,2,4]triazine (([18F])TA5). It is the most potent PDE2A ligand out of our series of imidazopyridotriazine-based derivatives so far (IC50 hPDE2A = 3.0 nM; IC50 hPDE10A > 1000 nM). Radiolabelling was performed in a one-step procedure starting from the corresponding tosylate precursor. In vitro autoradiography on rat and pig brain slices displayed a homogenous and non-specific binding of the radioligand. Investigation of stability in vivo by reversed-phase HPLC (RP-HPLC) and micellar liquid chromatography (MLC) analyses of plasma and brain samples obtained from mice revealed a high fraction of one main radiometabolite. Hence, we concluded that [18F]TA5 is not appropriate for molecular imaging of PDE2A neither in vitro nor in vivo. Our ongoing work is focusing on further structurally modified compounds with enhanced metabolic stability.

Do spiroindolines have the potential to replace vesamicol as lead compound for the development of radioligands targeting the vesicular acetylcholine transporter?

The vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) is an important target for in vivo imaging of neurodegenerative processes using positron emission tomography (PET). So far the development of VAChT PET radioligands is based on the single known lead compound vesamicol. In this study we investigated a recently published spiroindoline based compound class (Sluder et al., 2012), which was suggested to have potential in the development of VAChT ligands. Therefore, we synthesized a small series of N,N-substituted spiro[indoline-3,4'-piperidine] derivatives and determined their in vitro binding affinities toward the VAChT. In order to investigate the selectivity, the off-target binding toward σ1 and σ2 receptors was determined. The compounds possessed VAChT affinities with Ki values in the range of 39-376nM. Binding affinities toward the σ1 and σ2 receptors are in a similar range indicating that the strong structural difference between the spiroindolines and vesamicol did not improve the selectivity. The observed potential to additionally bind to σ receptors let us assume that the herein investigated spiroindolines are not suitable to replace vesamicol as lead compound for the development of VAChT ligands.