Integrated system for PET radiotracer synthesis

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The goal of this proposal is to install an integrated radiosynthesis system for the production of non-commercially available PET radiotracers for preclinical imaging applications at the UC Davis Center for Molecular and Genomic Imaging (CMGI). We propose to incorporate a commercial radiosynthesis unit dedicated to the production of

PET radiotracers complete with shielding enclosures allowing the safe and efficient production of the radiotracers. The integrated system will allow for the automated production of PET radiotracers radiolabeled with the positron emitter fluorine-18. It includes all necessary components to support radiotracer production and will

allow us to synthesize both established and novel PET radiotracers. As the NIH roadmap calls for an emphasis on translational research and has identified molecular imaging as a priority, UC Davis is proposing to strengthen functional and molecular imaging in animal models for future translation to humans by utilizing the system. The

system will be installed at the CMGI, which is a campus-designated and supported core facility providing infrastructure and expertise to conduct in vivo imaging studies in animal models, from rodents to non-human primates and companion animals. CMGI is the only location on our campus that oversees a cyclotron and

radiochemistry facilities dedicated to preclinical imaging research. Institutional support provided to the CMGI ensures the successful operation and maintenance of the system for its lifetime. The system will support at least 10 major and minor users who are conducting NIH-funded research in diverse areas such as gene therapy,

neurology, oncology, toxicology, metabolic disorders, nanotechnology and biomedical engineering.