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Project List » Development of a Cyclotron-driven neutron activator for radiopharmaceutical production; case study of Holmium-166 labelled affibody for targeted diagnostics and therapeutics

Development of a Cyclotron-driven neutron activator for radiopharmaceutical production; case study of Holmium-166 labelled affibody for targeted diagnostics and therapeutics
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Acronym: NARAD
Contracting Authority: Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI)
Number / Date of the contract: 548 PED / 2020-11-02

Project Manager: Liviu Stefan Craciun
Partners: Institute of Biochemistry (IBAR)
Starting date / finishing date: 2020-11-02 / 2022-04-20
Project value: 600000 RON
Abstract: Research on radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis and treatment of cancer has been increasing in recent years. Since most radionuclides are neutron rich and decay by Beta- emission, they are reactor-produced by capture of thermal neutrons. Unfortunately, the main reactors involved in the global supply are ageing and expected to shut down soon. Furthermore, reactors led to nuclear waste, therefore alternative production routes are needed. The aim of the NARAD (Neutron Activator for Radiopharmaceuticals) proposal is to prove feasibility of obtaining medical radiopharmaceuticals for targeted diagnosis and therapy using a compact accelerator driven neutron activator. The activator principle is based on the Adiabatic Resonance Crossing a technique used to enhance neutron capture for the activation of radioisotopes. In the frame of our proposal, we will design and develop an experimental model involving a TR19 PET cyclotron (14-19 MeV protons).
We have chosen to activate Holmium-166 one of the most effective radionuclides used in medical applications because of its properties, which include high energy beta radiation, long penetration range in tissue, half-life 26.8 h and decay to a stable daughter. Holmium-166 also emits gamma-rays which are suitable for imaging. A major component within the project proposal is the use of small (6 kDa), monoclonal antibody-like molecules called Affibodies obtained through the randomization of the binding domain of staphylococcal protein A. Compared to monoclonal antibodies, their biological uptake is faster, making them excellent candidates for targeted delivery of radionuclide drugs to cells. A breast cancer antigen (HER2) binding affibody will be used as a model. The project is structured in three work packages named: (1) Neutron Activator (NA) Project in line with TR-19 Cyclotron (2) Affibody and (3) Radiochemistry

Objectives:

THE STAGES OF THE PROJECT AND DELIVERY DATES
1. The concept of a Neutron Activator in line with the cyclotron (2020-12-31)
2. Design of a Neutron Activator in line with TR19 cyclotron for radiopharmaceuticals production (2021-12-31)
3. Neutron Activator testing. Case study of Holmium-166 labelled affibody for targeted diagnostics and therapeutics (2022-10-31)
RESULTS [Project Activity Report]
PUBLISHED ARTICLES
RESEARCH TEAM


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