68Ga-labelled phosphinate-chelator conjugated trimeric peptide ligands for positron emission tomography

Gallium-68 is a radionuclide for positron emission tomography (PET) which is produced in radionuclide generators. Thus, it is available independent from local cyclotrons. Due to comparably low cost and commercially availability of the generators, interest in 68Ga tracers is on the rise. Under physiological conditions, Gallium is present as trivalent cation; labelling of organic molecules therefore consists in complex formation. The novel phosphinate-based bifunctional chelator TRAP possesses markedly improved 68Ga-labelling properties in comparison to establised systems, such as DOTA or NOTA, which has been shown in preclinical investigations using cojugates with peptidic receptor ligands. This project aims at the development of novel 68Ga-labelld peptides in order to make the advantages of the TRAP-technology available for novel specialized radiopharmaceuticals, e.g., for PET imaging of prostate cancer or neuroenrocrine tumours. It is assumed that this research project will fundamentally change and accelerate development of 68Ga-radiopharmaceuticals.

DFG Programme Research Grants

Participating Person Professor Dr. Hans-Jürgen Wester