Development and production of positron emission tomography probes for molecular imaging

Abstract

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a functional modality for molecular imaging with high sensitivity, which permits repeatable, non-invasive assessment and quantification of specific biological and pharmacological functions. The development and production of PET probes is indispensable for imaging and quantitative measurement using PET. To develop and produce a PET probe, a reliable labeling technique, including a radioisotope, labeling agent and reaction, and an automated synthesis system, must be developed. A highly specific activity is useful for mapping neurotransmitters with a very low density and characterizing new binding sites.