Biotage AB and McMaster University sign two year extension to Molecular Imaging Development Agreement.
McMaster University has successfully completed the first year research agreement, with a key journal publication and several technical presentations. “We used the Biotage Initiator™ Microwave synthesis system, chromatography cartridges to prepare a range of Carborane Cage structures labeled with rhenium and technetium (Tc99c), the currently most used radionuclide in diagnostic medicine. We reported an 85% reduction in synthesis time and 26% gain in decay corrected yield, when compared to the traditional synthesis methods. The speed, purity and flexibility of this approach will drive the development of a new generation of novel molecular imaging agents.” Dr. John F. Valliant, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Medical Physics and Acting Director of McMaster Institute of Applied Radiation Sciences (McIARS) stated.
Based on the success of this first phase, both parties have agreed to a 2-year extension of the work at McMaster. Valliant reports, “The next research phase will expand microwave synthesis to a broader range of radionuclides and probes used in the PET imaging and as therapeutic agents.”
Torben Jörgensen, President and CEO of Biotage AB commented, “Biotage’s mission has always been to develop innovative equipment and consumables that accelerate the drug discovery process. We are very pleased with Dr. Valliant’s research to advance the development of radiopharmaceuticals. He has clearly demonstrated the benefits of Biotage key technology to produce molecular imaging agents. The 2-years extension will provide practical solutions to the challenging issues that currently limit the development of novel imaging agents.”
“In addition to John Valliant’s research, McMaster University has created the Biotage Molecular Imaging demonstration laboratory. This facility will give other researchers the opportunity to see the technology working in a real radiochemistry environment, and have first hand experience with powerful tools that Biotage offers”, reported Michael Lally, Vice President of Business Development at Biotage.