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Aim: Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) expression in healthy brain is very low and the upregulation is associated with inflammation, traumatic brain injury, neurodegeneration and cancer[1]. In view of the increasing interest in CB2-targeted therapies, PET offers an attractive strategy to quantify the availability of CB2 in the diseased brain. To achieve this goal, we developed a number of 18F-labelled CB2 ligands and biologically evaluated them in rodents. Here we present a comparative overview of the obtained results. Methods: Structure-activity-relationships-driven target compound identification, organic synthesis and radiofluorination was performed for compounds of the thiazole ([¹⁸F]JHU94620[2] and [¹⁸F]LUZ5[3]), naphthyridin-2-one ([¹⁸F]LU14[4] and [¹⁸F]LU13[5]) and indole ([¹⁸F]RM365) families. The new radioligands were assessed in vitro by binding experiments using CHO(hCB2) cells and rat spleen homogenates and by autoradiography on cryosections of rodent spleen. Furthermore, the radioligands were examined for their metabolic stability and biodistribution by PET. Furthermore, for selected radioligands the binding to highly expressed hCB2 in a rat model overexpressing hCB2(D80N) in the right striatum (AAV-hCB2)[6] was investigated. Results: The low- to subnanomolar hCB2 affinities of the presented radioligands were demonstrated in vitro by Kd values ranging from 0.4 to 2.9 nM with a hCB2 selectivity against hCB1 of >1000-fold. The highest metabolic stability was observed for [18F]RM365 with 55% and 90% and the lowest for [¹⁸F]JHU94620 with 7% and 36% of the initial fraction in plasma and brain 30 min p.i., respectively. The in vivo experiments confirmed the in vitro autoradiographic results, and showed high uptake for [¹⁸F]JHU94620, but low or non-displaceable uptake for [¹⁸F]LU14, [¹⁸F]LUZ5 and [¹⁸F]RM365 in spleen. Contrary to the low uptake of [¹⁸F]LUZ5 in the brain of naïve Wistar rats, target-specific and displaceable uptake for [¹⁸F]LU14 and [¹⁸F]RM365 was de

The development of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) PET radioligands has been intensively explored due to the pronounced CB2R upregulation in various pathological conditions, such as neuroinflammation and cancer. Herein we report on the enantioselective synthesis of a series of highly affine fluorinated indole-2-carboxamide ligands targeting the CB2R in the brain. Compound RM365 was selected for PET radiotracer development due to its high CB2R affinity (Ki = 2.1 nM) and pronounced selectivity over CB1R (factor >300). A fully automated copper-mediated radiofluorination of [18F]RM365 was established starting from the corresponding aryl boronic acid pinacol ester precursor. Preliminary in vitro evaluation of [18F]RM365 revealed an unprecedentedly high species differences affinity towards CB2R owing a dissociation constant (KD) of 2.32 nM for the human CB2R (hCB2R) and > 10000 nM for the rat CB2R (rCB2R). Metabolism studies in mice revealed high stability of [18F]RM365 with fractions of parent compound of > 90% in the brain and > 54% in the plasma at 30 min p.i.. PET imaging in a rat model of local hCB2R overexpression demonstrate the ability of [18F]RM365 to reach and selectively label the hCB2R in the brain with high signal-to-background ratio. Thus, [18F]RM365 is a very promising PET radioligand for the imaging of upregulated hCB2R expression under pathological conditions with high potential towards clinical application in humans.

Aim: Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) expression in healthy brain is very low and the upregulation is associated with inflammation, traumatic brain injury, neurodegeneration and cancer[1]. In view of the increasing interest in CB2-targeted therapies, PET offers an attractive strategy to quantify the availability of CB2 in the diseased brain. To achieve this goal, we developed a number of 18F-labelled CB2 ligands and biologically evaluated them in rodents. Here we present a comparative overview of the obtained results. Methods: Structure-activity-relationships-driven target compound identification, organic synthesis and radiofluorination was performed for compounds of the thiazole ([¹⁸F]JHU94620[2] and [¹⁸F]LUZ5[3]), naphthyridin-2-one ([¹⁸F]LU14[4] and [¹⁸F]LU13[5]) and indole ([¹⁸F]RM365) families. The new radioligands were assessed in vitro by binding experiments using CHO(hCB2) cells and rat spleen homogenates and by autoradiography on cryosections of rodent spleen. Furthermore, the radioligands were examined for their metabolic stability and biodistribution by PET. Furthermore, for selected radioligands the binding to highly expressed hCB2 in a rat model overexpressing hCB2(D80N) in the right striatum (AAV-hCB2)[6] was investigated. Results: The low- to subnanomolar hCB2 affinities of the presented radioligands were demonstrated in vitro by Kd values ranging from 0.4 to 2.9 nM with a hCB2 selectivity against hCB1 of >1000-fold. The highest metabolic stability was observed for [18F]RM365 with 55% and 90% and the lowest for [¹⁸F]JHU94620 with 7% and 36% of the initial fraction in plasma and brain 30 min p.i., respectively. The in vivo experiments confirmed the in vitro autoradiographic results, and showed high uptake for [¹⁸F]JHU94620, but low or non-displaceable uptake for [¹⁸F]LU14, [¹⁸F]LUZ5 and [¹⁸F]RM365 in spleen. Contrary to the low uptake of [¹⁸F]LUZ5 in the brain of naïve Wistar rats, target-specific and displaceable uptake for [¹⁸F]LU14 and [¹⁸F]RM365 was de

The development of cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) PET radioligands has been intensively explored due to the pronounced CB2R upregulation in various pathological conditions, such as neuroinflammation and cancer. Herein we report on the enantioselective synthesis of a series of highly affine fluorinated indole-2-carboxamide ligands targeting the CB2R in the brain. Compound RM365 was selected for PET radiotracer development due to its high CB2R affinity (Ki = 2.1 nM) and pronounced selectivity over CB1R (factor > 300). A fully automated copper-mediated radiofluorination of [18F]RM365 was established starting from the corresponding aryl boronic acid pinacol ester precursor. Preliminary in vitro evaluation of [18F]RM365 indicated species differences in the binding to CB2R (KD of 2.32 nM for the human CB2R vs. KD > 10000 nM for the rat CB2R). Metabolism studies in mice revealed high stability of [18F]RM365 with fractions of parent compound of > 90% in the brain and > 54% in the plasma at 30 min p.i. PET imaging in a rat model of local hCB2R(D80N) overexpression in the brain demonstrate the ability of [18F]RM365 to reach and selectively label the intracranial expressed hCB2R(D80N) with high signal-to-background ratio. Thus, [18F]RM365 is a very promising PET radioligand for the imaging of upregulated hCB2R expression under pathological conditions with high potential towards clinical application in humans.

Objectives: Epigenetic mechanisms like methylation and acetylation of histones regulate the gene expression on the chromatin level. Thus, the degree of acetylation of lysine residues on histones influences the accessibility of DNA and furthermore the gene expression. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are overexpressed in various tumour diseases, resulting in the interest in HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) for cancer therapy. The aim of this work is the development of a novel ¹⁸F-labelled HDAC1-selective inhibitor with an ortho-aminoanilide zinc-binding group (ZBG) to visualize this enzyme in brain tumours by positron emission tomography (PET). Methods: Based on the selective HDAC1-3 inhibitors tacedinaline and entinostat, a series of fluorine-containing derivatives was synthesized and the IC₅₀ values were determined by an in-house biochemical enzyme assay. Out of several ligands with high inhibitory potency and selectivity for HDAC1, N-(2-amino-5-(thiophen-3-yl)phenyl)-4-((2-fluoropropanamido)methyl)benzamide (BA3, Figure 1A) was selected for radiofluorination. The two-step one-pot radiosynthesis of [¹⁸F]BA3 was performed by a nucleophilic aliphatic substitution reaction of the protected 2-bromopropionyl precursor 2 and subsequent deprotection. The process was successfully transferred to a TRACERlab FX2 N radiosynthesizer (Figure 1B). For the characterization of BA3, the in vitro stability in mouse and human liver microsomes and the cell toxicity in glioblastoma cell lines (U251-MG, F98) were assessed. In parallel, the in vivo metabolism of [¹⁸F]BA3 was investigated (mouse plasma and brain samples, 30 min p.i.) as well as PET studies in mice were carried out. Results: BA3, containing a PAMBA linker (para-aminomethylbenzoic acid), shows a high inhibitory activity against HDAC1 and high selectivity towards HDAC3 and HDAC6 (see Table 1). The cell viability of U251-MG and F98 cells after incubation with 50 µM BA3 for 72h was only 64% and 36%, respectively. The automated radiosynthes

Objectives: An upregulation of cannabinoid receptors type 2 (CB2) has been reported in association with inflammation processes, traumatic brain injury, neurodegeneration and cancer.[1] The activation of CB2 leads to an anti-inflammatory action. Therefore, the non-invasive assessment of the CB2 availability with PET could improve the decision-making for CB2-directed therapies. We developed a series of fluorinated naphthyridine-2-one-carboxamides as CB2 ligands, of which [18F]LU14[2] and [18F]LU13 were radiosynthesized and biologically evaluated. Methods: The two radioligands [18F]LU14[2] and [18F]LU13 were developed starting from appropriate precursor compounds.The fraction of radiometabolites was quantified in isolated plasma and brain samples at 30 min p.i. The CB2 binding affinities selectivities (expressed and determined from KD and Ki values of both radioligands were determined in vitro. PET studies were performed to evaluate the radioligand uptake into the brains of rats overexpressing the hCB2(D80N) in the right striatum[3]. Results: Favourable properties where achieved for [18F]LU14, which could be further improved for [18F]LU13 (AM, affinity, selectivity and metabolic stability). In rats bearing the local overexpression of the hCB2 a target-specific and reversible uptake for both radioligands was demonstrated. [18F]LU14 reached a TAC peak SUV of 3.3 ± 0.6 at 7.4 ± 2.8 min p.i., and the SUVr (target region–to–cerebellum) was stable between 6.6 and 7.0 after 30 min p.i. For [18F]LU13 a stable SUV of 3.6 ± 0.9 after 26 min p.i. was reached and a close to linearly increasing SUVr (target region–to–cerebellum) up to 8.8 ± 4.3 at 60 min p.i. was determined (slope = 0.15 SUV/min; R² =.0.8). Conclusion: [18F]LU14 and [18F]LU13 showed an excellent ability to image the CB2 receptors in vivo. Additionally, [18F]LU14 revealed a faster washout from the non-target regions in the brain, compared to [18F]LU13. References: [1] Stasiulewicz et al. IJMS, 2020, 21, 2778; [2] Te

[18F]FLUDA is a selective radiotracer for in vivo imaging of the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) by positron emission tomography (PET). Promising preclinical results obtained by neuroimaging of mice and piglets suggest the translation of [18F]FLUDA to human PET studies. Thus, we report herein a remotely controlled automated radiosynthesis of [18F]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 [18F]FLUDA.

A2A adenosine receptors (A2A-AR) have a cardio-protective function upon ischemia and reperfusion, but on the other hand, their stimulation could lead to arrhythmias. Our aim was to investigate the potential use of the PET radiotracer [18F]FLUDA to determine the A2A-AR availability non-invasively for diagnosis of the A2AR status. Therefore, we compared mice with a cardiomyocyte-specific overexpressing of the human A2A-AR (A2A-AR TG) with the respective wild type (WT). We determined: (1) the functional impact of FLUDA on the contractile function of atrial mouse samples, (2) the binding parameters (Bmax and KD) of [18F]FLUDA on mouse and additionally on human atrial tissue samples by autoradiographic studies, and investigated (3) the in vivo uptake of the radiotracer by dynamic PET imaging in the two A2A-AR TG and WT. After A2A-AR stimulation by CGS 21680 in isolated atrial preparations antagonistic effects of FLUDA were found in A2A-AR-TG animals but not in WT mice. Radiolabeled [18F]FLUDA exhibited a KD of 5.9 ± 1.6 nM and a Bmax of 455 ± 78 fmol/mg protein in cardiac samples of A2A-AR TG, whereas in WT, as well as in human atrial preparations only low specific binding could was found. Dynamic PET studies revealed a significantly higher initial uptake of [18F]FLUDA into the myocardium of A2A-AR TG compared to WT. The hA2A-AR-specific binding of [18F]FLUDA in vivo was verified by pre-administration of the highly affine A2AAR-specific antagonist istradefylline. Conclusion: [18F]FLUDA is a promising PET probe for the non-invasive assessment of the A2A-AR as a marker for pathologies linked to an increased A2A-AR density in the heart, as shown in patients with heart failure.

The degree of acetylation of lysine residues on histones influences the accessibility of DNA and, furthermore, the gene expression. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are overexpressed in various tumour diseases, resulting in the interest in HDAC inhibitors for cancer therapy. The aim of this work is the development of a novel ¹⁸F-labelled HDAC1/2-specific inhibitor with a benzamide-based zinc-binding group to visualize these enzymes in brain tumours by positron emission tomography (PET). BA3, exhibiting high inhibitory potency for HDAC1 (IC50 = 4.8 nM) and HDAC2 (IC50 = 39.9 nM), and specificity towards HDAC3 and HDAC6 (specificity ratios >230 and >2080, respectively), was selected for radiofluorination. The two-step one-pot radiosynthesis of [¹⁸F]BA3 was performed in a TRACERlab FX2 N radiosynthesizer by a nucleophilic aliphatic substitution reaction. The automated radiosynthesis of [¹⁸F]BA3 resulted in a radiochemical yield of 1%, a radiochemical purity of >96% and a molar activity between 21 and 51 GBq/µmol (n = 5, EOS). For the characterization of BA3, in vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out. The results of these pharmacological and pharmacokinetic studies indicate a suitable inhibitory potency of BA3, whereas the applicability for non-invasive imaging of HDAC1/2 by PET requires further optimization of the properties of this compound.

The cerebral expression of the A2A adenosine receptor (A2AAR) is altered in neurodegenerative disorders diseases such as Parkinson's (PD) or Huntington’s (HD) diseases, making these recep-tors an attractive diagnostic and therapeutic target. We aimed to further investigate the pharma-cokinetic properties in the brain of our recently developed A2AAR specific antagonist radioligand [18F]FLUDA. For this purpose, we retrospectively analysed dynamic PET studies of healthy mice and rotenone-treated mice, and undertook dynamic PET studies with healthy pigs. We performed analysis of mouse brain time-activity curves to calculate the mean residence time (MRT) by non-compartmental analysis and the binding potential (BPND) of [18F]FLUDA using the simplified reference tissue model (SRTM). For the pig studies, we performed a Logan graphical analysis to calculate the radiotracer distribution volume (VT) at baseline and under blocking conditions with tozadenant. The MRT of [18F]FLUDA in the striatum of mice was decreased by 30 % after treatment with the A2AAR antagonist, istradefylline. Mouse results showed the highest BPND (3.9 to 5.9) in the striatum. SRTM analysis showed a 20% lower A2AAR availability in the rotenone-treated mice compared to the control-aged group. Tozadenant treatment significantly decreased the VT (14.6 vs. 8.5 mL · g-1) and BPND values (1.3 vs. 0.3) in pig striatum. This study confirms the target specificity and a high BPND of [18F]FLUDA in the striatum. We conclude that [18F]FLUDA is a suitable tool for the non-invasive quantitation by PET of altered A2AAR expression in neurodegenerative diseases such as PD and HD.

The cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) is an attractive target for diagnosis and therapy of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Recently, we reported a novel naphthyrid-2-one based positron-emission tomography (PET) radioligand for imaging of the CB2R in the brain ([18F]5). In this study we aimed at the development of a novel 18F-labeled CB2R radioligand with improved binding properties and metabolic stability. Starting from the structure of 5, we developed a novel series of fluorinated derivatives by modifying the substituents at the naphthyrid-2-one subunit. Compound 28 (LU13) was identified with the highest binding affinity and selectivity versus CB1R (CB2RKi = 0.6 nM; CB1RKi/CB2RKi > 1000) and was selected for radiolabeling with 18F and biological characterization. The radiofluorination was performed starting from the corresponding bromo-precursor (31) bearing a fully deuterated N-alkyl chain to protect against defluorination. The in vitro evaluation of [18F]LU13 proved the high binding affinity of the radioligand towards rat (rCB2RKD = 0.2 nM) and human (hCB2RKD = 1.1 nM) CB2R. Metabolism studies in mice revealed a metabolic stability at 30 min p.i. with fractions of parent compound of >80% in the brain and 90% in the spleen with only trace of defluorination products detected in plasma. PET imaging in a rat model of vector-based/related overexpression in the striatum revealed a high signal to background ratio, demonstrating the ability of [18F]LU13 to reach and selectively label the hCB2R in the brain. Thus, [18F]LU13 is a novel and highly promising PET radioligand for the imaging of up regulated CB2R expression under pathological conditions in the brain.

The cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) is an attractive target for diagnosis and therapy of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Recently, we reported a novel naphthyrid-2-one based positron-emission tomography (PET) radioligand for imaging of the CB2R in the brain ([18F]5). In this study we aimed at the development of a novel 18F-labeled CB2R radioligand with improved binding properties and metabolic stability. Starting from the structure of 5, we developed a novel series of fluorinated derivatives by modifying the substituents at the naphthyrid-2-one subunit. Compound 28 (LU13) was identified with the highest binding affinity and selectivity versus CB1R (CB2RKi = 0.6 nM; CB1RKi/CB2RKi > 1000) and was selected for radiolabeling with 18F and biological characterization. The radiofluorination was performed starting from the corresponding bromo-precursor (31) bearing a fully deuterated N-alkyl chain to protect against defluorination. The in vitro evaluation of [18F]LU13 proved the high binding affinity of the radioligand towards rat (rCB2RKD = 0.2 nM) and human (hCB2RKD = 1.1 nM) CB2R. Metabolism studies in mice revealed a metabolic stability at 30 min p.i. with fractions of parent compound of >80% in the brain and 90% in the spleen with only trace of defluorination products detected in plasma. PET imaging in a rat model of vector-based/related overexpression in the striatum revealed a high signal to background ratio, demonstrating the ability of [18F]LU13 to reach and selectively label the hCB2R in the brain. Thus, [18F]LU13 is a novel and highly promising PET radioligand for the imaging of up regulated CB2R expression under pathological conditions in the brain.

Objectives: An upregulation of cannabinoid receptors type 2 (CB2) has been reported in association with inflammation processes, traumatic brain injury, neurodegeneration and cancer.[1] The activation of CB2 leads to an anti-inflammatory action. Therefore, the non-invasive assessment of the CB2 availability with PET could improve the decision-making for CB2-directed therapies. We developed a series of fluorinated naphthyridine-2-one-carboxamides as CB2 ligands, of which [18F]LU14[2] and [18F]LU13 were radiosynthesized and biologically evaluated. Methods: The two radioligands [18F]LU14[2] and [18F]LU13 were developed starting from appropriate precursor compounds.The fraction of radiometabolites was quantified in isolated plasma and brain samples at 30 min p.i. The CB2 binding affinities selectivities (expressed and determined from KD and Ki values of both radioligands were determined in vitro. PET studies were performed to evaluate the radioligand uptake into the brains of rats overexpressing the hCB2(D80N) in the right striatum[3]. Results: Favourable properties where achieved for [18F]LU14, which could be further improved for [18F]LU13 (AM, affinity, selectivity and metabolic stability). In rats bearing the local overexpression of the hCB2 a target-specific and reversible uptake for both radioligands was demonstrated. [18F]LU14 reached a TAC peak SUV of 3.3 ± 0.6 at 7.4 ± 2.8 min p.i., and the SUVr (target region–to–cerebellum) was stable between 6.6 and 7.0 after 30 min p.i. For [18F]LU13 a stable SUV of 3.6 ± 0.9 after 26 min p.i. was reached and a close to linearly increasing SUVr (target region–to–cerebellum) up to 8.8 ± 4.3 at 60 min p.i. was determined (slope = 0.15 SUV/min; R² =.0.8). Conclusion: [18F]LU14 and [18F]LU13 showed an excellent ability to image the CB2 receptors in vivo. Additionally, [18F]LU14 revealed a faster washout from the non-target regions in the brain, compared to [18F]LU13. References: [1] Stasiulewicz et al. IJMS, 2020, 21, 2778; [2] Te

PET data, mice; i.v. administration of [18F]FLUDA with and without pre-administration of istradefylline

The data publication contain: 1) Radiosynthesis data (Scheme of the synthesis module; RP-HPLC chromatograms of formulated [18F]BA3; MLC chromatograms of in vivo metabolism studies) 2) Biological data (Baseline TAC of CD-1 mice brain, biodistribution after i.v. injection of [18F]BA3) 3) Analytical data (1H, 13C, 19F NMR spectra; LC-MS chromatograms for final products)

The cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) is an attractive target for diagnosis and therapy of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Recently, we reported a novel naphthyrid-2-one based positron-emission tomography (PET) radioligand for imaging of the CB2R in the brain ([18F]5). In this study we aimed at the development of a novel 18F-labeled CB2R radioligand with improved binding properties and metabolic stability. Starting from the structure of 5, we developed a novel series of fluorinated derivatives by modifying the substituents at the naphthyrid-2-one subunit. Compound 28 (LU13) was identified with the highest binding affinity and selectivity versus CB1R (CB2RKi = 0.6 nM; CB1RKi/CB2RKi > 1000) and was selected for radiolabeling with 18F and biological characterization. The radiofluorination was performed starting from the corresponding bromo-precursor (31) bearing a fully deuterated N-alkyl chain to protect against defluorination. The in vitro evaluation of [18F]LU13 proved the high binding affinity of the radioligand towards rat (rCB2RKD = 0.2 nM) and human (hCB2RKD = 1.1 nM) CB2R. Metabolism studies in mice revealed a metabolic stability at 30 min p.i. with fractions of parent compound of >80% in the brain and 90% in the spleen with only trace of defluorination products detected in plasma. PET imaging in a rat model of vector-based/related overexpression in the striatum revealed a high signal to background ratio, demonstrating the ability of [18F]LU13 to reach and selectively label the hCB2R in the brain. Thus, [18F]LU13 is a novel and highly promising PET radioligand for the imaging of up regulated CB2R expression under pathological conditions in

2Laboratory for Radiopharmacy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium Introduction: In pathological conditions, the up-regulation of cannabinoid receptors type 2 (CB2) receptors has been reported in association with traumatic brain injury (TBI), neurodegeneration and cancer.[1] Up to date, only [11C]NE40 was evaluated in human subjects as PET tracer for the CB2 receptors. Recently, we reported the development of [18F]JHU94620, a highly affine and selective 18F-labeled CB2 radiotracer (Ki(hCB2) = 0.4 nM, Ki(hCB1) = 380 nM). However, this radioligand suffers from low metabolic stability in-vivo (36% intact tracer detected at 30 min p.i. in brain of CD1 mice).[2] Here, we describe the development of the deuterated analogues [18F]JHU94620-d4 and [18F]JHU94620-d8 as well as their in vitro and in-vivo evaluation in rats. Methods: The precursors for radiofluorination were obtained by coupling 4,5-dimethylthiazol-ylidene-2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropane-1-carboxamide with either d4 or d8 1,4-butanediol-bistosylate. The radiosynthesis of the deuterated [18F]JHU94620 analogues was performed in presence of Kryptand K2.2.2. and K2CO3. The metabolic stability of the new tracers was evaluated at 30 min p.i. in plasma, brain and spleen of healthy CD1 mice. The affinity and specificity toward the CB2 receptor was evaluated by in vitro autoradiography and binding experiments. Additionally, we evaluated the [18F]JHU94620-d8 uptake in vivo by PET-studies into the spleen of healthy rats and in a rat model overexpressing the hCB2 in the right striatum.[3] Results: [18F]JHU94620-d4 and -d8 were obtained in moderate radiochemical yields of about 10% and high radiochemical purities (>99%). Preliminary results revealed a considerable improved metabolic stability of both deuterated [18F]JHU94620 analogues with 80% intact tracer in the brain at 30 min. p.i. in mice. In-vitro evaluation of [18F]JHU94620-d8 revealed a KD(rCB2) = 0.36 nM (SPRD rats spleen homogenates) and KD(hCB2) = 2.72 nM (hCB2-CHO cell me

2Laboratory for Radiopharmacy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium Introduction: In pathological conditions, the up-regulation of cannabinoid receptors type 2 (CB2) receptors has been reported in association with traumatic brain injury (TBI), neurodegeneration and cancer.[1] Up to date, only [11C]NE40 was evaluated in human subjects as PET tracer for the CB2 receptors. Recently, we reported the development of [18F]JHU94620, a highly affine and selective 18F-labeled CB2 radiotracer (Ki(hCB2) = 0.4 nM, Ki(hCB1) = 380 nM). However, this radioligand suffers from low metabolic stability in-vivo (36% intact tracer detected at 30 min p.i. in brain of CD1 mice).[2] Here, we describe the development of the deuterated analogues [18F]JHU94620-d4 and [18F]JHU94620-d8 as well as their in vitro and in-vivo evaluation in rats. Methods: The precursors for radiofluorination were obtained by coupling 4,5-dimethylthiazol-ylidene-2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropane-1-carboxamide with either d4 or d8 1,4-butanediol-bistosylate. The radiosynthesis of the deuterated [18F]JHU94620 analogues was performed in presence of Kryptand K2.2.2. and K2CO3. The metabolic stability of the new tracers was evaluated at 30 min p.i. in plasma, brain and spleen of healthy CD1 mice. The affinity and specificity toward the CB2 receptor was evaluated by in vitro autoradiography and binding experiments. Additionally, we evaluated the [18F]JHU94620-d8 uptake in vivo by PET-studies into the spleen of healthy rats and in a rat model overexpressing the hCB2 in the right striatum.[3] Results: [18F]JHU94620-d4 and -d8 were obtained in moderate radiochemical yields of about 10% and high radiochemical purities (>99%). Preliminary results revealed a considerable improved metabolic stability of both deuterated [18F]JHU94620 analogues with 80% intact tracer in the brain at 30 min. p.i. in mice. In-vitro evaluation of [18F]JHU94620-d8 revealed a KD(rCB2) = 0.36 nM (SPRD rats spleen homogenates) and KD(hCB2) = 2.72 nM (hCB2-CHO cell me

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 mouse and pig brain. In vivo evaluation in mice revealed improved stability of [18F]FLUDA compared to [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.

Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) play a key role in the metabolism of major monoamine neurotransmitters. In particular, the upregulation of MAO-B in Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer augmented the development of selective MAO-B inhibitors for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, such as the anti-parkinsonian MAO-B irreversible binder L-deprenyl (Selegiline®). Herein we report on the synthesis of novel fluorinated indanone derivatives for PET imaging of MAO-B in the brain. Out of our series, the derivatives 6, 8, 9 and 13 are amongst the most affine and selective ligands for MAO-B reported so far. For the derivative 6-((3-fluorobenzyl)oxy)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one (6) exhibiting an outstanding affinity (Ki MAO-B = 6 nM), an automated copper-mediated radiofluorination starting from the pinacol boronic ester 17 is described. An in vitro screening in different species revealed a MAO-B region-specific accumulation of [18F]6 in rats and piglets in comparison to L-[3H]deprenyl. The pre-clinical in vivo assessment of [18F]6 in mice demonstrated the potential of indanones to readily cross the blood-brain barrier. Nonetheless, parallel in vivo metabolism studies indicated the presence of blood-brain barrier metabolites, thus arguing for further structural modifications. With the matching analytical profiles of the radiometabolite analysis from the in vitro liver microsome studies and the in vivo evaluation, the structure’s elucidation of the blood-brain barrier penetrant radiometabolites is possible and will serve as basis for the development of new indanone derivatives suitable for the PET imaging of MAO-B.

The adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) has emerged as a potential non-dopaminergic target for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and thus, the non-invasive imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) is of utmost importance to monitor the receptor expression and occupancy during an A2AR-tailored therapy. Aiming at the development of a PET radiotracer, we herein report the design of a series of novel fluorinated analogs based on the structure of the A2AR antagonist tozadenant, and the preclinical evaluation of [18F]TOZ1. Autoradiography proved A2AR-specific in vitro binding of [18F]TOZ1 to striatum of mouse and pig brain. Investigations of the metabolic stability in mice revealed parent fractions of more than 76% and 92% of total activity in plasma and brain samples, respectively. Dynamic PET/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in mice revealed a brain uptake but no A2AR-specific in vivo binding.

The G protein-coupled adenosine A2B receptor is suggested to be involved in various patholog-ical processes accompanied by increased levels of adenosine as found in inflammation, hypoxia, and cancer. Therefore, the adenosine A2B receptor is currently in the focus as a novel target for cancer therapy as well as for noninvasive molecular imaging via positron emission tomography (PET). Aiming at the development of a radiotracer labeled with the PET radionuclide fluorine-18 for imaging the adenosine A2B receptor in brain tumors, one of the most potent and selective an-tagonists, the xanthine derivative PSB-603, was selected as a lead compound. As initial biodis-tribution studies in mice revealed a negligible brain uptake of [3H]PSB-603 (SUV3min: 0.2), struc-tural modifications were performed to optimize the physicochemical properties regarding blood-brain barrier penetration. Two novel fluorinated derivatives bearing a 2-fluoropyridine (7) and a 4-fluoropiperidine (8) moiety have been synthesized, and their affinities for the four adenosine receptor subtypes were determined in competition binding assays. Both compounds showed high affinity towards the adenosine A2B receptor (Ki (7) = 9.97 ± 0.86 nM; Ki (8) = 12.3 ± 3.6 nM) with moderate selectivities versus the other adenosine receptor subtypes.

2Laboratory for Radiopharmacy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium Introduction: In pathological conditions, the up-regulation of cannabinoid receptors type 2 (CB2) receptors has been reported in association with traumatic brain injury (TBI), neurodegeneration and cancer.[1] Up to date, only [11C]NE40 was evaluated in human subjects as PET tracer for the CB2 receptors. Recently, we reported the development of [18F]JHU94620, a highly affine and selective 18F-labeled CB2 radiotracer (Ki(hCB2) = 0.4 nM, Ki(hCB1) = 380 nM). However, this radioligand suffers from low metabolic stability in-vivo (36% intact tracer detected at 30 min p.i. in brain of CD1 mice).[2] Here, we describe the development of the deuterated analogues [18F]JHU94620-d4 and [18F]JHU94620-d8 as well as their in vitro and in-vivo evaluation in rats. Methods: The precursors for radiofluorination were obtained by coupling 4,5-dimethylthiazol-ylidene-2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropane-1-carboxamide with either d4 or d8 1,4-butanediol-bistosylate. The radiosynthesis of the deuterated [18F]JHU94620 analogues was performed in presence of Kryptand K2.2.2. and K2CO3. The metabolic stability of the new tracers was evaluated at 30 min p.i. in plasma, brain and spleen of healthy CD1 mice. The affinity and specificity toward the CB2 receptor was evaluated by in vitro autoradiography and binding experiments. Additionally, we evaluated the [18F]JHU94620-d8 uptake in vivo by PET-studies into the spleen of healthy rats and in a rat model overexpressing the hCB2 in the right striatum.[3] Results: [18F]JHU94620-d4 and -d8 were obtained in moderate radiochemical yields of about 10% and high radiochemical purities (>99%). Preliminary results revealed a considerable improved metabolic stability of both deuterated [18F]JHU94620 analogues with 80% intact tracer in the brain at 30 min. p.i. in mice. In-vitro evaluation of [18F]JHU94620-d8 revealed a KD(rCB2) = 0.36 nM (SPRD rats spleen homogenates) and KD(hCB2) = 2.72 nM (hCB2-CHO cell me

Ziel: Epigenetische Mechanismen wie die Methylierung und Acetylierung von Histonen regulieren die Genexpression auf Chromatin-Ebene. So beeinflusst der Grad der Acetylierung von Lysinresten der Histone die Zugänglichkeit der DNA und damit die Genexpression. HDACs sind in verschiedenen Tumorerkrankungen überexprimiert, woraus das Interesse an HDAC-Inhibitoren für die Therapie von Krebs resultiert. Das Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Entwicklung neuer hochaffiner und selektiver fluortragender HDAC-Liganden, um HDAC1 und 2 in onkologischen Erkrankungen mittels PET darzustellen. Methodik: Basierend auf Tacedinalin wurden 10 fluorhaltige Derivate in bis zu 8 Synthesestufen hergestellt und ihre IC₅₀-Werte mittels eines biochemischen Enzymassays bestimmt. Von zwei Liganden mit hoher inhibitorischer Potenz und Selektivität für HDAC1 und 2 wurde HD70 ausgewählt und in einem Syntheseautomaten radiofluoriert. Zur biologischen Charakterisierung von [¹⁸F]HD70 wurden Untersuchungen in vitro und in vivo in der Maus durchgeführt. Ergebnisse: HD70 mit einem PAMBA-Linker (p-Aminomethylbenzoesäure) zeigt eine hohe inhibitorische Aktivität gegenüber HDAC1 (IC₅₀: 4,8 nM) und HDAC2 (IC₅₀: 39,9 nM). Die Radiosynthese von [¹⁸F]HD70 aus einem 2-Brompropionylpräkursor erfolgte automatisiert in zwei Stufen mit einer radiochemischen Ausbeute von 1 %. Die PET- und Metabolitenuntersuchungen in CD-1-Mäusen zeigten, dass der Radiotracer [¹⁸F]HD70 die Blut-Hirn-Schranke passiert (SUV5 min: 0,24). Allerdings betrug der Anteil an intaktem Tracer im Hirn nach 30 min nur 25 %. Schlussfolgerungen: Durch den hohen Anteil an hirngängigen Radiometaboliten wird [¹⁸F]HD70 für weitergehende Untersuchungen als ungeeignet eingestuft. Die erhaltenen Ergebnisse werden in das Design metabolisch stabilerer HDAC-Inhibitoren einfließen.

2Laboratory for Radiopharmacy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium Introduction: In pathological conditions, the up-regulation of cannabinoid receptors type 2 (CB2) receptors has been reported in association with traumatic brain injury (TBI), neurodegeneration and cancer.[1] Up to date, only [11C]NE40 was evaluated in human subjects as PET tracer for the CB2 receptors. Recently, we reported the development of [18F]JHU94620, a highly affine and selective 18F-labeled CB2 radiotracer (Ki(hCB2) = 0.4 nM, Ki(hCB1) = 380 nM). However, this radioligand suffers from low metabolic stability in-vivo (36% intact tracer detected at 30 min p.i. in brain of CD1 mice).[2] Here, we describe the development of the deuterated analogues [18F]JHU94620-d4 and [18F]JHU94620-d8 as well as their in vitro and in-vivo evaluation in rats. Methods: The precursors for radiofluorination were obtained by coupling 4,5-dimethylthiazol-ylidene-2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropane-1-carboxamide with either d4 or d8 1,4-butanediol-bistosylate. The radiosynthesis of the deuterated [18F]JHU94620 analogues was performed in presence of Kryptand K2.2.2. and K2CO3. The metabolic stability of the new tracers was evaluated at 30 min p.i. in plasma, brain and spleen of healthy CD1 mice. The affinity and specificity toward the CB2 receptor was evaluated by in vitro autoradiography and binding experiments. Additionally, we evaluated the [18F]JHU94620-d8 uptake in vivo by PET-studies into the spleen of healthy rats and in a rat model overexpressing the hCB2 in the right striatum.[3] Results: [18F]JHU94620-d4 and -d8 were obtained in moderate radiochemical yields of about 10% and high radiochemical purities (>99%). Preliminary results revealed a considerable improved metabolic stability of both deuterated [18F]JHU94620 analogues with 80% intact tracer in the brain at 30 min. p.i. in mice. In-vitro evaluation of [18F]JHU94620-d8 revealed a KD(rCB2) = 0.36 nM (SPRD rats spleen homogenates) and KD(hCB2) = 2.72 nM (hCB2-CHO cell me

Bei diesem Datensatz handelt es sich um HPLC-Daten von den Radiosynthesen von [18F]FLUDA.

Introduction The A2AR has emerged as a potential therapeutic target due to its involvement in basic functions of the neuronal, cardiovascular and immune systems. Blockade of A2AR is regarded as potential tool related to CAR T-cell immunotherapy of cancer. Furthermore, A2AR are believed to regulate myocardial oxygen demand and to increase coronary circulation by vasodilation. With regard to Parkinson’s disease A2AR antagonists, such as the FDA approved Nourianz®, are used as an adjunctive treatment to levopoda®. Therefore noninvasive imaging to monitor changes of receptor density and/or occupancy during the A2aR-tailored therapy is of utmost importance. We recently developed the A2AR PET radiotracer [18F]FLUDA which demonstrated superior pharmacokinetic properties among the radiotracers available. Towards its clinical translation, an automated radiosynthesis was developed and the radiotracer was fully characterized in vitro and in vivo including toxicity and dosimetry1 studies. Methods The binding affinity (Ki) of FLUDA towards the human A2AR and A1R subtypes was estimated in vitro by competitive radioligand binding assays. In addition, selectivity studies were performed. An automated two-step one-pot radiosynthesis of [18F]FLUDA was developed. In vitro autoradiography was performed on cryosections of mice brain. Dynamic PET/MR studies under baseline and blocking conditions were assessed. The time-activity curves of the SUV ratio (SUVR) of striatum over cerebellum were used as measure for specific uptake. Metabolism was investigated in CD-1 mice via radio-HPLC analysis of extracted plasma and brain samples. Single-dose acute toxicity of FLUDA was assessed in male and female Wistar rats. Results A high A2aR binding affinity and high A1R selectivity were recorded for FLUDA (KiA2aR= 0.60 nM and KiA1R= XX nM). The two-step one-pot automated radiosynthesis of [18F]FLUDA was successfully established (radiochemical yield: 9±1%; radiochemical purity: ≥98%; molar activity= 69

Introduction The A2AR has emerged as a potential therapeutic target due to its involvement in basic functions of the neuronal, cardiovascular and immune systems. Blockade of A2AR is regarded as potential tool related to CAR T-cell immunotherapy of cancer. Furthermore, A2AR are believed to regulate myocardial oxygen demand and to increase coronary circulation by vasodilation. With regard to Parkinson’s disease A2AR antagonists, such as the FDA approved Nourianz®, are used as an adjunctive treatment to levopoda®. Therefore noninvasive imaging to monitor changes of receptor density and/or occupancy during the A2aR-tailored therapy is of utmost importance. We recently developed the A2AR PET radiotracer [18F]FLUDA which demonstrated superior pharmacokinetic properties among the radiotracers available. Towards its clinical translation, an automated radiosynthesis was developed and the radiotracer was fully characterized in vitro and in vivo including toxicity and dosimetry1 studies. Methods The binding affinity (Ki) of FLUDA towards the human A2AR and A1R subtypes was estimated in vitro by competitive radioligand binding assays. In addition, selectivity studies were performed. An automated two-step one-pot radiosynthesis of [18F]FLUDA was developed. In vitro autoradiography was performed on cryosections of mice brain. Dynamic PET/MR studies under baseline and blocking conditions were assessed. The time-activity curves of the SUV ratio (SUVR) of striatum over cerebellum were used as measure for specific uptake. Metabolism was investigated in CD-1 mice via radio-HPLC analysis of extracted plasma and brain samples. Single-dose acute toxicity of FLUDA was assessed in male and female Wistar rats. Results A high A2aR binding affinity and high A1R selectivity were recorded for FLUDA (KiA2aR= 0.60 nM and KiA1R= XX nM). The two-step one-pot automated radiosynthesis of [18F]FLUDA was successfully established (radiochemical yield: 9±1%; radiochemical purity: ≥98%; molar activity= 69

Introduction: The monoamine oxidase B (MAO B) isoenzyme is known to be involved in the oxidative deamination of biogenic amines. While the use of MAO B inhibitors is already well-established for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, recent reports suggest its involvement in certain types of brain tumors.1 We herein aim at the synthesis and preclinical evaluation of fluorinated indanone-based derivatives targeting MAO B in the brain via positron emission tomography (PET). Methods: A small series of fluorinated indanone derivatives was obtained via the O-alkylation or esterification starting with the commercially available 6-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one in two steps. Binding affinities towards the human MAO isoenzymes were estimated in vitro by radioligand displacement. HL126 was selected for radiofluorination via its corresponding boronic acid pinacol ester. In vitro autoradiography of [18F]HL126 was performed in mice brain slices. In vivo evaluation of [18F]HL126 in CD-1 mice was carried out and metabolism studies were performed in plasma and brain samples via radio-HPLC. Results: The fluorinated indanone derivatives were synthesized in yields ranging from 65-89%. The fluorophenyl ether derivative, HL126, was further selected for radiofluorination based on its high binding affinity towards MAO B (Ki = 6.9 ± 5.33 nM). [18F]HL126 was obtained by an alcohol-enhanced copper-mediated approach via the corresponding boronic acid pinacol ester precursor with radiochemical yields of about 11 ± 3%, high radiochemical purities (≥99%) and molar activities in the range of 20 GBq/mol. In vitro autoradiography showed a specific blockade with selective MAO-A/B inhibitors. PET/MRI analyses revealed that [18F]HL126 readily enters the brain. Some radiometabolites do cross the blood-brain barrier. Conclusion: Although metabolism studies with [18F]HL126 revealed the presence of radiometabolites in the brain, the high binding affinity towards MAO B and the pronounced selectivity i

A2AR-Liganden sind bei ischämischen Reperfusionsschäden kardioprotektiv wirksam (1). Somit ist eine Diagnose der kardialen A2AR-Verfügbarkeit für die Behandlung von Patienten mit koronaren Erkrankungen bedeutsam. Unser Ziel war es, anhand eines transgenen Mausmodells mit einer kardialen Überexpression des humanen A2AR das Potential von [18F]FLUDA als potentielles Radiopharmakon für die Darstellung des A2AR zu evaluieren. Es wurden 4-6 Monate alte FVB/N Mäuse mit einer Kardiomyozyten-spezifischen Überexpression des humanen A2AR (A2AR TG) bzw. Kontrolltiere untersucht. Die Bestimmung der KD- und Bmax-Werte von [18F]FLUDA erfolgte autoradiographisch an Kryoschnitten von Herzexplantaten. Die In-vivo-Untersuchungen fanden unter Isoflurannarkose in einem Kleintier-PET/MRT-Scanner (nanoscan, Mediso) statt. [18F]FLUDA (7,4±3,4 MBq) wurde i.v. über die Schwanzvene 20 s nach Start der 90-minütigen PET-Messung appliziert. Die A2AR-Spezifität von [18F]FLUDA wurde durch Applikation von 2,5 mg/kg Tozadenant 10 min vor der Tracer Gabe bestimmt. Für die anatomische Korrelation und Schwächungskorrektur der PET-Aufnahmen erfolgte eine T1-gewichtete MRT. Die dynamische Rekonstruktion der Listenmodus-Daten erfolgte durch einen 3D-OSEM-Algorithmus. Die Quantifizierung der aufgenommenen Aktivität erfolgte mit PMOD. Mittels In-vitro-Autoradiografie von [18F]FLUDA konnten in den A2AR-TG Herzen die Rezeptorparameter KD (5,9 ± 1,6 nM) und Bmax (455 ± 78 fmol/mg Protein) bestimmt werden, während in den Herzen der Kontroll-Tiere die Rezeptordichte unter der Nachweisgrenze lag. Mittels PET/MR wurde 15–30 min p.i. für die A2A-R TG Tiere ein SUV-Verhältnis (SUVR) Myokard/Herzventrikel von ≥1,0 bestimmt. Tozadenant verminderte das SUVR um 6 % (p < 0.05). [18F]FLUDA ist ein vielversprechender Radiotracer zur Untersuchung der A2AR Verfügbarkeit im Herzen. (1) Boknik P, et al., Front Pharmacol. 2018; 9:1–12.

Objective: MCT1-4 are involved in several diseases, particularly in cancer. [18F]FACH has recently been developed as a novel MCT-targeting imaging agent (1), which could be used for monitoring MCT-based treatment approaches. With the aim to develop a similar potent radiotracer with higher brain permeability for future brain tumor studies, we designed structurally modified analogs of FACH possessing increased lipophilicity. Methods: Two analogs of FACH (I and II) were synthesized by introduction of a 2-fluoropyridinyl moiety via Buchwald-Hartwig cross coupling reaction. Inhibition of MCT1 was measured by [14C]lactate uptake assay using rat brain endothelial cells and analog I with higher inhibition was selected to synthesize corresponding precursor used for radiofluorination by aromatic nucleophilic substitution. LogD7.4 of [18F]I was experimentally determined in the n-octanol-PBS system. In vitro autoradiography and dynamic PET studies of [18F]I were performed in CD-1 mice. Results: The analogs I and II showed a moderate MCT1 inhibition with IC50 values of 118 and 274 nM, respectively. [18F]I was obtained with radiochemical yields of 73±12% (n=4, non-isolated) and a high radiochemical purity of > 98%. A logD7.4 value of 0.816 was achieved for [18F]I, which was 2-fold higher than that for [18F]FACH. By in vitro autoradiography in cryosections of the mouse kidney, nearly complete displacement of [18F]I by 10-5 M CHC-Na was observed. In vivo, similar to [18F]FACH, a low uptake of [18F]I in the brain without significant washout was found with an almost constant SUV of 0.15 between 15 and 60 min p.i. Conclusion: Despite a higher lipophilicity of [18F]I compared to [18F]FACH, the brain uptake of [18F]I was in a similar low range. However, the high and specific uptake of the new radiotracer in the kidneys suggests suitability of [18F]I for detecting MCTs’ expression in vivo. References: (1) Sadeghzadeh M, et al. J Label Compd Radiopharm.2019; 62: 411-424.

Question We have shown that A2A adenosine receptors (A2A-AR) are functionally active in human hearts. Moreover, we generated a transgenic mouse model with heart specific overexpression of the human A2A-AR (TG), which responded to agonists with a positive inotropic effect in vitro. Overexpressed A2A-AR were cardioprotective but also proarrhythmic in TG (Boknik et al. Front Pharmacol 2018, 2019). Here, we focused on the question if a cardiac A2A-AR expression could be assessed in vivo utilizing PET imaging in this model. Methods The impact of FLUDA (7-(3-(4-(2-(fluoro)ethoxy-1,1,2,2-d4)phenyl)propyl)-2-(furan-2-yl)-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidin-5-amine; patent: DE 10 2019 116 986.0) on the force of contraction (FOC) in isolated electrically driven (1 Hz) atrial preparation after stimulation with the A2A–AR-agonist CGS 2180 (10 µM, in the presence of the A1A-AR antagonist DPCPX 1 µM) was measured. On cryosections of mouse hearts the KD and Bmax values of [18F]FLUDA were determined by autoradiography. A small animal PET/MRI scanner (nanoscan, Mediso) was used for in vivo imaging of mice under isoflurane anaesthesia. [18F]FLUDA (7.4±3.4 MBq) was applied via the tail vein 20 s after starting the 90-minute PET measurement. A2A-AR specificity of [18F]FLUDA was determined by application of 2.5 mg/kg body weight Tozadenant 10 minutes prior to tracer administration. Results FLUDA was able to reduce (p<0.05) the increase of FOC after CGS 2180 stimulation by about 20 % (p<0.05) in isolated electrically driven atrial preparation in TG (but not WT), indicating a functional antagonism of FLUDA at the human cardiac A2A-AR. By in vitro autoradiography of [18F]FLUDA a KD (5.9±1.6 nM) and Bmax (455±78 fmol/mg protein) could be determined in the A2A-AR-TG hearts, whereas in the control hearts the receptor density was below the detection limit. Using PET/MR, an SUV ratio (SUVR) myocardial/cardiac ventricle of ≥1,0 was determined for the A2A-AR-TG animals at 15-30 min

Der Adenosin-A2A-Rezeptor (A2AR) ist ein vielversprechendes Target für die molekulare Bildgebung sowohl von neurodegenerativen Erkrankungen als auch von Tumoren mittels PET. Bis zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt ist [18F]MNI 444 [Ki(hA2AR) = 2,8 nM] der einzige 18F-markierte Radiotracer, welcher in einer klinischen Studie an gesunden Probanden untersucht wurde (1). Ausgehend von dem literaturbekannten [18F]FESCH [Ki(hA2AR) = 0,6 nM] sollte durch chemische Modifikation ein deuteriertes Analogon mit einer erhöhter metabolischer Stabilität entwickelt werden (2,3). Die Synthese von FLUDA basiert auf der Einführung einer deuterierten Fluoroethoxy-Gruppe. Für die Radiosynthese von [18F]FLUDA wurde eine zweistufige Eintopfmethode ausgehend von einem Phenol- und [2H4]Ethylenditosylat-Präkursor entwickelt. Die In vitro- und In-vivo-Evaluierung erfolgte mittels Autoradiographie-, Metaboliten- und PET-Studien in CD-1 Mäusen. Es wurde eine Radiosynthese von [18F]FLUDA [Ki(hA2AR) = 0,6 nM] mit einer radiochemischen Ausbeute von 19±3% (n = 9) etabliert. Im Vergleich zu [18F]FESCH zeigt das deuterierte [18F]FLUDA eine deutlich gesteigerte In-vivo-Stabilität (15 min p.i., Gehirn: 91% intaktes [18F]FLUDA). Die In-vitro-Autoradiographie von [18F]FLUDA weist eine spezifische Aktivitätsanreicherung im Striatum nach, die durch die Rezeptorparameter KD = 4,3±0,7 nM und Bmax = 556±143 fmol/mg charakterisiert ist. In den PET-Studien wurde ein SUV-Verhältnis (SUVR) Striatum/Cerebellum von >8 (15-30 min) nachgewiesen. Selektive A2AR-Blockadestudien mit 2,5 mg/kg Tozadenant führten zu einem signifikanten Rückgang dieses SUVR um 35%. Die Radiosynthese des neuen Radiotracers [18F]FLUDA wurde erfolgreich etabliert. Aufgrund der vielversprechenden präklinischen Ergebnisse wird derzeit die Translation von [18F]FLUDA in die Klinik vorbereitet. (1) Barret et al., J Nucl Med 2015, 56, 586-91 (2) Bhattacharjee et al., Nucl Med Biol 2011, 38, 897-906 (3) Khanapur et al., J Med Chem 2014, 57, 6765-80

Objectives: The development of CB2R PET radioligands has been intensively explored due to the pronounced CB2R upregulation in various pathological conditions. Herein we report on the development of a series of highly affine fluorinated indole-carbamate ligands targeting the CB2R. Starting from a pinacol-ester precursor, cooper-mediated automated radiofluorination and preliminary biological evaluation were also performed for the most promising ligand. Methods: A series of fifteen indole-carbamate derivatives was synthesized and their binding affinities (Ki) towards CB2R were determined. Compound RM365 was further selected for PET development due to its high CB2R affinity (KiCB2 = 2.1 nM) and pronounced selectivity over CB1R (factor >300). A fully automated copper-mediated radiofluorination of [18F]RM365 was established starting with the corresponding arylboronic ester precursor. The metabolic stability of [18F]RM365 was investigated in plasma and brain samples (30 min p.i) by radio HPLC. PET studies with [18F]RM365 were performed under baseline and blocking conditions (60 min scan). Results: [18F]RM365 was obtained with moderate radiochemical yield (5%), high radiochemical purity (>98%) and molar activities of about 35 GBq/µmol. PET studies revealed that [18F]RM365 readily crossed the blood-brain barrier and accumulated in the spleen, a CB2R-rich organ. Metabolite studies at 30 min p.i. showed that 55% and 90% of the total extracted activity accounted for the percentage of parent tracer, in plasma and brain samples, respectively. Conclusion: A fully automated cooper-mediated radiosynthesis was established for [18F]RM365. Further blocking experiments will demonstrate the CB2R specificity of [18F]RM365 in vivo and will be use as pass-fail criterion for further application of the radiotracer in CB2R-related animal models.

Herein, we report on the synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of ten novel fluorinated cinnamylpiperazines as potential monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) ligands. The designed derivatives consist of either cinnamyl or 2-fluorocinnamyl moieties connected to 2-fluoropyridylpiperazines. The three-step synthesis starting from commercially available piperazine afforded the final products in overall yields between 9 and 29%. An in vitro competitive binding assay using L-[3H]Deprenyl as radioligand was developed and the MAO-B binding affinities of the synthesized derivatives were assessed. Docking studies revealed that the compounds 8–17 were stabilized in both MAO-B entrance and substrate cavities, thus resembling the binding pose of L-Deprenyl. Although our results revealed that the novel fluorinated cinnamylpiperazines 8–17 do not possess sufficient MAO-B binding affinity to be eligible as positron emission tomography (PET) agents, the herein developed binding assay and the insights gained within our docking studies will certainly pave the way for further development of MAO-B ligands.

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 (OD) 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 anaesthetized and subjected to sequential PET/CT up to 5h after i.v. 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 the 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 weighing 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 raise to 20.6 µSv/MBq. Resultantly, the ED to humans upon an i.v. application of ~300 MBq [18F]FACH would be about 6.2mSv. This risk assessment encourages to translate [18F]FACH to clinical study phases and to further investigate its potential as a clinical tool for cancer imaging with PET.

The adenosine A2B receptor has been proposed as a novel therapeutic target in cancer, as for example, its expression is drastically elevated in several tumors and cancer cells. Noninvasive molecular imaging by using 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. Metabolism studies of [18F]9 in mice revealed about 60 % of intact radiotracer 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.

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.

Introduction: The monoamine oxidase B (MAO B) isoenzyme is known to be involved in the oxidative deamination of biogenic amines. While the use of MAO B inhibitors is already well-established for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, recent reports suggest its involvement in certain types of brain tumors.1 We herein aim at the synthesis and preclinical evaluation of fluorinated indanone-based derivatives targeting MAO B in the brain via positron emission tomography (PET). Methods: A small series of fluorinated indanone derivatives was obtained via the O-alkylation or esterification starting with the commercially available 6-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one in two steps. Binding affinities towards the human MAO isoenzymes were estimated in vitro by radioligand displacement. HL126 was selected for radiofluorination via its corresponding boronic acid pinacol ester. In vitro autoradiography of [18F]HL126 was performed in mice brain slices. In vivo evaluation of [18F]HL126 in CD-1 mice was carried out and metabolism studies were performed in plasma and brain samples via radio-HPLC. Results: The fluorinated indanone derivatives were synthesized in yields ranging from 65-89%. The fluorophenyl ether derivative, HL126, was further selected for radiofluorination based on its high binding affinity towards MAO B (Ki = 6.9 ± 5.33 nM). [18F]HL126 was obtained by an alcohol-enhanced copper-mediated approach via the corresponding boronic acid pinacol ester precursor with radiochemical yields of about 11 ± 3%, high radiochemical purities (≥99%) and molar activities in the range of 20 GBq/mol. In vitro autoradiography showed a specific blockade with selective MAO-A/B inhibitors. PET/MRI analyses revealed that [18F]HL126 readily enters the brain. Some radiometabolites do cross the blood-brain barrier. Conclusion: Although metabolism studies with [18F]HL126 revealed the presence of radiometabolites in the brain, the high binding affinity towards MAO B and the pronounced selectivity i

Question We have shown that A2A adenosine receptors (A2A-AR) are functionally active in human hearts. Moreover, we generated a transgenic mouse model with heart specific overexpression of the human A2A-AR (TG), which responded to agonists with a positive inotropic effect in vitro. Overexpressed A2A-AR were cardioprotective but also proarrhythmic in TG (Boknik et al. Front Pharmacol 2018, 2019). Here, we focused on the question if a cardiac A2A-AR expression could be assessed in vivo utilizing PET imaging in this model. Methods The impact of FLUDA (7-(3-(4-(2-(fluoro)ethoxy-1,1,2,2-d4)phenyl)propyl)-2-(furan-2-yl)-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidin-5-amine; patent: DE 10 2019 116 986.0) on the force of contraction (FOC) in isolated electrically driven (1 Hz) atrial preparation after stimulation with the A2A–AR-agonist CGS 2180 (10 µM, in the presence of the A1A-AR antagonist DPCPX 1 µM) was measured. On cryosections of mouse hearts the KD and Bmax values of [18F]FLUDA were determined by autoradiography. A small animal PET/MRI scanner (nanoscan, Mediso) was used for in vivo imaging of mice under isoflurane anaesthesia. [18F]FLUDA (7.4±3.4 MBq) was applied via the tail vein 20 s after starting the 90-minute PET measurement. A2A-AR specificity of [18F]FLUDA was determined by application of 2.5 mg/kg body weight Tozadenant 10 minutes prior to tracer administration. Results FLUDA was able to reduce (p<0.05) the increase of FOC after CGS 2180 stimulation by about 20 % (p<0.05) in isolated electrically driven atrial preparation in TG (but not WT), indicating a functional antagonism of FLUDA at the human cardiac A2A-AR. By in vitro autoradiography of [18F]FLUDA a KD (5.9±1.6 nM) and Bmax (455±78 fmol/mg protein) could be determined in the A2A-AR-TG hearts, whereas in the control hearts the receptor density was below the detection limit. Using PET/MR, an SUV ratio (SUVR) myocardial/cardiac ventricle of ≥1,0 was determined for the A2A-AR-TG animals at 15-30 min

Objectives: The development of CB2R PET radioligands has been intensively explored due to the pronounced CB2R upregulation in various pathological conditions. Herein we report on the development of a series of highly affine fluorinated indole-carbamate ligands targeting the CB2R. Starting from a pinacol-ester precursor, cooper-mediated automated radiofluorination and preliminary biological evaluation were also performed for the most promising ligand. Methods: A series of fifteen indole-carbamate derivatives was synthesized and their binding affinities (Ki) towards CB2R were determined. Compound RM365 was further selected for PET development due to its high CB2R affinity (KiCB2 = 2.1 nM) and pronounced selectivity over CB1R (factor >300). A fully automated copper-mediated radiofluorination of [18F]RM365 was established starting with the corresponding arylboronic ester precursor. The metabolic stability of [18F]RM365 was investigated in plasma and brain samples (30 min p.i) by radio HPLC. PET studies with [18F]RM365 were performed under baseline and blocking conditions (60 min scan). Results: [18F]RM365 was obtained with moderate radiochemical yield (5%), high radiochemical purity (>98%) and molar activities of about 35 GBq/µmol. PET studies revealed that [18F]RM365 readily crossed the blood-brain barrier and accumulated in the spleen, a CB2R-rich organ. Metabolite studies at 30 min p.i. showed that 55% and 90% of the total extracted activity accounted for the percentage of parent tracer, in plasma and brain samples, respectively. Conclusion: A fully automated cooper-mediated radiosynthesis was established for [18F]RM365. Further blocking experiments will demonstrate the CB2R specificity of [18F]RM365 in vivo and will be use as pass-fail criterion for further application of the radiotracer in CB2R-related animal models.

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Verbindung der allgemeinen Formel I (Formel I) worin Ar eine Phenylgruppe oder eine Pyridylgruppe ist; R1 Wasserstoff oder eine Nitrogruppe ist; und R2 Fluor oder eine Abgangsgruppe ist, wobei die Abgangsgruppe aus der Gruppe ausgewählt ist, die aus einer Nitrogruppe, einem Halogen, einem Diazoniumion oder -salz, einem Trialkylammoniumion oder -salz, einem Dialkoxyaren, einem Sulfoxid, einer Boronsäure, einem Boronsäureester, Alkylzinn, Arylzinn, einem Iodoniumion oder -salz, einem Iodonium-Ylid und einem Sulfonsäureester besteht.

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Verbindung der allgemeinen Formel I worin die Reste X1a, X1b, X2a, X2b, X3a, X3b, X4a, X4b, X5a und X5b unabhängig voneinander jeweils Wasserstoff oder Deuterium sind, mit der Maßgabe, dass zumindest einer der Reste X1a, X1b, X2a, X2b, X3a, X3b, X4a, X4b, X5a und X5b Deuterium ist.

A2AR-Liganden sind bei ischämischen Reperfusionsschäden kardioprotektiv wirksam (1). Somit ist eine Diagnose der kardialen A2AR-Verfügbarkeit für die Behandlung von Patienten mit koronaren Erkrankungen bedeutsam. Unser Ziel war es, anhand eines transgenen Mausmodells mit einer kardialen Überexpression des humanen A2AR das Potential von [18F]FLUDA als potentielles Radiopharmakon für die Darstellung des A2AR zu evaluieren. Es wurden 4-6 Monate alte FVB/N Mäuse mit einer Kardiomyozyten-spezifischen Überexpression des humanen A2AR (A2AR TG) bzw. Kontrolltiere untersucht. Die Bestimmung der KD- und Bmax-Werte von [18F]FLUDA erfolgte autoradiographisch an Kryoschnitten von Herzexplantaten. Die In-vivo-Untersuchungen fanden unter Isoflurannarkose in einem Kleintier-PET/MRT-Scanner (nanoscan, Mediso) statt. [18F]FLUDA (7,4±3,4 MBq) wurde i.v. über die Schwanzvene 20 s nach Start der 90-minütigen PET-Messung appliziert. Die A2AR-Spezifität von [18F]FLUDA wurde durch Applikation von 2,5 mg/kg Tozadenant 10 min vor der Tracer Gabe bestimmt. Für die anatomische Korrelation und Schwächungskorrektur der PET-Aufnahmen erfolgte eine T1-gewichtete MRT. Die dynamische Rekonstruktion der Listenmodus-Daten erfolgte durch einen 3D-OSEM-Algorithmus. Die Quantifizierung der aufgenommenen Aktivität erfolgte mit PMOD. Mittels In-vitro-Autoradiografie von [18F]FLUDA konnten in den A2AR-TG Herzen die Rezeptorparameter KD (5,9 ± 1,6 nM) und Bmax (455 ± 78 fmol/mg Protein) bestimmt werden, während in den Herzen der Kontroll-Tiere die Rezeptordichte unter der Nachweisgrenze lag. Mittels PET/MR wurde 15–30 min p.i. für die A2A-R TG Tiere ein SUV-Verhältnis (SUVR) Myokard/Herzventrikel von ≥1,0 bestimmt. Tozadenant verminderte das SUVR um 6 % (p < 0.05). [18F]FLUDA ist ein vielversprechender Radiotracer zur Untersuchung der A2AR Verfügbarkeit im Herzen. (1) Boknik P, et al., Front Pharmacol. 2018; 9:1–12.

Objective: MCT1-4 are involved in several diseases, particularly in cancer. [18F]FACH has recently been developed as a novel MCT-targeting imaging agent (1), which could be used for monitoring MCT-based treatment approaches. With the aim to develop a similar potent radiotracer with higher brain permeability for future brain tumor studies, we designed structurally modified analogs of FACH possessing increased lipophilicity. Methods: Two analogs of FACH (I and II) were synthesized by introduction of a 2-fluoropyridinyl moiety via Buchwald-Hartwig cross coupling reaction. Inhibition of MCT1 was measured by [14C]lactate uptake assay using rat brain endothelial cells and analog I with higher inhibition was selected to synthesize corresponding precursor used for radiofluorination by aromatic nucleophilic substitution. LogD7.4 of [18F]I was experimentally determined in the n-octanol-PBS system. In vitro autoradiography and dynamic PET studies of [18F]I were performed in CD-1 mice. Results: The analogs I and II showed a moderate MCT1 inhibition with IC50 values of 118 and 274 nM, respectively. [18F]I was obtained with radiochemical yields of 73±12% (n=4, non-isolated) and a high radiochemical purity of > 98%. A logD7.4 value of 0.816 was achieved for [18F]I, which was 2-fold higher than that for [18F]FACH. By in vitro autoradiography in cryosections of the mouse kidney, nearly complete displacement of [18F]I by 10-5 M CHC-Na was observed. In vivo, similar to [18F]FACH, a low uptake of [18F]I in the brain without significant washout was found with an almost constant SUV of 0.15 between 15 and 60 min p.i. Conclusion: Despite a higher lipophilicity of [18F]I compared to [18F]FACH, the brain uptake of [18F]I was in a similar low range. However, the high and specific uptake of the new radiotracer in the kidneys suggests suitability of [18F]I for detecting MCTs’ expression in vivo. References: (1) Sadeghzadeh M, et al. J Label Compd Radiopharm.2019; 62: 411-424.

Introduction The adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) is related to the pathogenesis of several brain diseases and is assumed to mediate immunsuppressive processes related to cancer pathology. Thus, A2AR radiotracers for PET imaging are promising candidates for the differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Parkinson’s disease, and to study the A2AR within the tumor environment. We developed [18F]FLUDA based on the deuteration of the [18F]fluoroethoxy chain of [18F]FESCH [1,2] to improve imaging properties in mice. [18F]FLUDA was evaluated pre-clinically prior to a first-in-human trial. Methods Binding affinities of FLUDA towards the human A2AR and A1R subtypes were estimated in vitro by competitive radioligand binding assays. [18F]FLUDA was synthesized by a two-step one-pot approach. In vitro autoradiography of [18F]FLUDA was performed on mice brain cryosections. In vivo evaluation of [18F]FLUDA was carried out in a CD-1 mouse by radio-HPLC analysis of plasma and brain samples (15 min p.i.) and dynamic PET/MR studies under baseline (n = 4) and blocking conditions (2.5 mg tozadenant per kg, 15 min before tracer, n = 4). The cerebellum was used as a reference tissue. The time-activity curves were obtained and the SUV ratio (SUVR) of striatum over cerebellum were used as measure for specific uptake. Results/discussion In vitro binding studies revealed no influence of deuteration on the estimated binding affinities with Ki values of FLUDA and FESCH towards human A2AR of 0.60 nM and 0.61 nM, respectively. The radiosynthesis of [18F]FLUDA was successfully established (Fig.1). A single experiment indicates that [18F]FLUDA is metabolically more stable in mouse than [18F]FESCH. While no radiometabolites were found for [18F]FLUDA in plasma and brain samples at 15 min p.i., for [18F]FESCH the percentages of intact radiotracer were 71% and 41% in brain and plasma samples, respectively. By in vitro autoradiography [18F]FLUDA demonstrated a specific accumulatio

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Verbindung der allgemeinen Formel (E)-I oder (Z)-I worin Y eine Hydroxygruppe oder eine O-M+-Gruppe ist, wobei M+ ein Kation ist; Z1 aus der Gruppe ausgewählt ist, die aus einer substituierten oder unsubstituierten C1-C12-Alkylgruppe, einer substituierten oder unsubstituierten C2-C12-Alkenylgruppe, einer substituierten oder unsubstituierten C2-C12-Alkinylgruppe, einer substituierten oder unsubstituierten Arylgruppe, einer substituierten oder unsubstituierten Heteroarylgruppe, einer substituierten oder unsubstituierten Alkylarylgruppe, einer substituierten oder unsubstituierten Arylalkylgruppe und einer Gruppe -A1-X besteht, worin A1 eine Kohlenwasserstoffkette mit ein bis vier substituierten oder unsubstituierten Methylengruppen ist, wobei in der Kohlenwasserstoffkette zumindest ein Sauerstoffatom unter Ausbildung einer Ethergruppe angeordnet sein kann, und X aus der Gruppe ausgewählt ist, die aus einer Methylgruppe, einem Halogen und einer Hydroxygruppe besteht; und Z2 ein Rest ist, der eine Abgangsgruppe AG trägt, wobei Z2 aus der Gruppe ausgewählt ist, die aus einer substituierten oder unsubstituierten C1-C12-Alkylgruppe, einer substituierten oder unsubstituierten C2-C12-Alkenylgruppe, einer substituierten oder unsubstituierten C2-C12-Alkinylgruppe, einer substituierten oder unsubstituierten Arylgruppe, einer substituierten oder unsubstituierten Heteroarylgruppe, einer substituierten oder unsubstituierten Alkylarylgruppe und einer substituierten...

Der Adenosin-A2A-Rezeptor (A2AR) ist ein vielversprechendes Target für die molekulare Bildgebung sowohl von neurodegenerativen Erkrankungen als auch von Tumoren mittels PET. Bis zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt ist [18F]MNI 444 [Ki(hA2AR) = 2,8 nM] der einzige 18F-markierte Radiotracer, welcher in einer klinischen Studie an gesunden Probanden untersucht wurde (1). Ausgehend von dem literaturbekannten [18F]FESCH [Ki(hA2AR) = 0,6 nM] sollte durch chemische Modifikation ein deuteriertes Analogon mit einer erhöhter metabolischer Stabilität entwickelt werden (2,3). Die Synthese von FLUDA basiert auf der Einführung einer deuterierten Fluoroethoxy-Gruppe. Für die Radiosynthese von [18F]FLUDA wurde eine zweistufige Eintopfmethode ausgehend von einem Phenol- und [2H4]Ethylenditosylat-Präkursor entwickelt. Die In vitro- und In-vivo-Evaluierung erfolgte mittels Autoradiographie-, Metaboliten- und PET-Studien in CD-1 Mäusen. Es wurde eine Radiosynthese von [18F]FLUDA [Ki(hA2AR) = 0,6 nM] mit einer radiochemischen Ausbeute von 19±3% (n = 9) etabliert. Im Vergleich zu [18F]FESCH zeigt das deuterierte [18F]FLUDA eine deutlich gesteigerte In-vivo-Stabilität (15 min p.i., Gehirn: 91% intaktes [18F]FLUDA). Die In-vitro-Autoradiographie von [18F]FLUDA weist eine spezifische Aktivitätsanreicherung im Striatum nach, die durch die Rezeptorparameter KD = 4,3±0,7 nM und Bmax = 556±143 fmol/mg charakterisiert ist. In den PET-Studien wurde ein SUV-Verhältnis (SUVR) Striatum/Cerebellum von >8 (15-30 min) nachgewiesen. Selektive A2AR-Blockadestudien mit 2,5 mg/kg Tozadenant führten zu einem signifikanten Rückgang dieses SUVR um 35%. Die Radiosynthese des neuen Radiotracers [18F]FLUDA wurde erfolgreich etabliert. Aufgrund der vielversprechenden präklinischen Ergebnisse wird derzeit die Translation von [18F]FLUDA in die Klinik vorbereitet. (1) Barret et al., J Nucl Med 2015, 56, 586-91 (2) Bhattacharjee et al., Nucl Med Biol 2011, 38, 897-906 (3) Khanapur et al., J Med Chem 2014, 57, 6765-80

Monocarboxylate transporters 1 and 4 (MCT1 and MCT4) are involved in tumour development and progression. Their level of expression is particularly upregulated in glycolytic cancer cells and accordingly MCTs are considered as promising drug targets for treatment of a variety of human cancers. The non-invasive imaging of these transporters in cancer patients via positron emission tomography (PET) is regarded to be valuable for the monitoring of therapeutic effects of MCT inhibitors. Recently, we developed the first 18F-radiolabelled MCT1/MCT4 inhibitor [18F]FACH and reported on a two-step one-pot radiosynthesis procedure. We herein describe now a unique one-step radiosynthesis of this radiotracer which is based on the approach of using a methylsulfonate (mesylate) precursor bearing an unprotected carboxylic acid function. With the new procedure unexpected high radiochemical yields of 43 ± 8% at the end of the radiosynthesis could be obtained in a strongly reduced total synthesis time. Moreover, the radiosynthesis was successfully transferred to a TRACERlab FX2 N synthesis module ready for future preclinical applications of [18F]FACH.

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Verbindung der allgemeinen Formel I worin R¹ aus der Gruppe ausgewählt ist, die aus einer C₁-C₁₂-Alkylgruppe, einer C₃-C₁₂-Cycloalkylgruppe und einer Hetrocycloalkylgruppe mit 5 bis 12 Ringatomen, wobei die Ringatome Kohlenstoff und 1 bis 4 Heteroatome, ausgewählt aus N, O und S, sind, besteht; R² Wasserstoff oder Fluor ist, R³ eine Gruppe der Formel II oder eine Gruppe der Formel III ist: X¹ aus der Gruppe ausgewählt ist, die aus -(CR⁵R⁶)ₘ-, -(CR⁵R⁶)ₙC(O)-(CR⁵R⁶)ₚ- und -(CR⁵R⁶)q-X2-(CR⁵R⁶)ᵣ- besteht, wobei m, n, p, q und r unabhängig voneinander jeweils 0 oder eine Ganzzahl von 1 bis 6 sind; R⁴ aus der Gruppe ausgewählt ist, die aus einer Arylgruppe, einer Heteroarylgruppe mit 5 bis 12 Ringatomen, wobei die Ringatome Kohlenstoff und 1 bis 4 Heteroatome, ausgewählt aus N, O und S, sind, einer C₃-C₁₂-Cycloalkylgruppe und einer Heterocycloalkylgruppe mit 5 bis 12 Ringatomen, wobei die Ringatome Kohlenstoff und 1 bis 4 Heteroatome, ausgewählt aus N, O und S, sind, besteht; Ring A eine Arylgruppe oder eine Heteroarylgruppe mit 5 bis 12 Ringatomen, wobei die Ringatome Kohlenstoff und 1 bis 4 Heteroatome, ausgewählt aus N, O und S, sind, ist.