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