Molecular Imaging Program
Technetium-based agents
Alseres Pharmaceuticals is actively developing second-generation molecular imaging agents highly selective for Dopamine Transporters (DAT) that incorporate technetium (99mTc) as the radiolabel. Because 99mTc is readily available in many hospital radiopharmacies, this type of molecular imaging agent may be prepared at the imaging site. This approach may provide ease-of-use, cost, manufacturing, and distribution advantages. Alseres expects to develop its Tc-based molecular imaging agent as an aid in the diagnosis of both Parkinson's Disease and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Imaging Approach
The Tc-based molecular imaging agent is being developed for use with Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) imaging technology to rapidly and selectively visualize DATs located on the dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Scans using this new agent should be able to aid in the diagnosis of conditions that are caused by an increase or decrease in the number of dopamine-producing neurons or by changes in the concentration of DATs on the neuron.
Development Program
Recent primate imaging studies using two of Alseres' Tc-based agents have demonstrated that these agents readily bind to the DATs in a normal monkey brain, and they indicated a marked decrease in binding in the brains of monkeys with experimentally induced Parkinson's Disease.
We are currently performing preclinical animal studies using our agents as well as developing standardized manufacturing methodology.
For a list of websites providing information on Parkinson's Disease or ADHD, click here.