
131I-radiolabeling uses prosthetic-group strategies or electrophilic radioiodination incorporating the β/γ-emitting isotope into small molecules, peptides, or antibodies, for the targeted radiotherapy, SPECT imaging, and dosimetry. At Alfa Cytology, we offer high-quality 131I-radiolabeling services for preclinical studies. Moreover, we do site-selective chemistry and radiochemical QC (radiochemical purity, stability, and identity) for different vector types.
Iodine-131 (131I) is a radioisotope that is produced in a reactor and retains importance in nuclear medicine as a theranostic agent. It has a half-life of 8 days and a dual decay mode, which releases both cytotoxic beta-minus particles (β-) for therapy and gamma photons for post-therapy SPECT imaging. Its potent beta radiation makes it highly effective for ablating tissue as the gold standard in the therapy of hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. Although its gamma energy is not ideal for high-resolution imaging, biodistribution and dosimetry after therapy can be sufficiently evaluated.
Incorporation of iodine-131 into small molecules, peptides, and antibodies is a method that is highly essential for pinpoint targeted radiotherapy, molecular imaging, and dosimetry. The process utilizes electrophilic iodination or prosthetic-group labeling, ensuring minimal alteration to the biological activity. 131I-labeled compounds may be analyzed by SPECT imaging, which allows one to investigate their pharmacokinetics, distribution within the body, and tumor targeting at the preclinical stage.
Fig 1. The prediction of the radiosynthesis reaction of [131I] I-AM. (NURHIDAYAH W, et al., 2023)
| Name | Company | Therapeutic Area | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| HICON® | Jubilant Radiopharma | Hyperthyroidism; DTC ablation | Approved (FDA) |
| Sodium Iodide (I-131) Capsules T | Curium | Hyperthyroidism; DTC ablation | Approved (EU national MAs) |
| AZEDRA® | Lantheus | PPGL therapy | Approved (FDA) |
| MIBG-131I | NCBJ POLATOM | MIBG-avid tumors therapy | Approved (national MA, Poland) |
| THERACAP131™ | GE HealthCare | Thyroid therapy | Approved (national MAs) |
| Iopofosine | Cellectar Biosciences | B-cell Malignancies | |
| Iomab-B | Actinium Pharmaceuticals | BMT |
Disclaimer: Alfa Cytology focuses on providing preclinical research services. This table is for information exchange purposes only. This table is not a treatment plan recommendation. For guidance on treatment options, please visit a regular hospital.

Radioactive Properties
131I is a radioisotope that emits both β particles and γ rays. The beta particles, although of low energy, are effective in penetrating tissues to destroy the DNA of cancer cells, aiding in targeted cancer therapy.

Selective Targeting
131I has an affinity for thyroid tissues and specific tumor cells, which makes it useful for destructive therapeutic approaches for thyroid cancer due to its natural targeting properties.

Half-Life
With a half-life of about 8 days, 131I has a balanced window of therapy. It radiates for a period of time sufficient for therapy, while minimizing the risks of prolonged radiation exposure, thus improving individual safety.
Utilizing advanced radiochemistry techniques tailored for maximum radiochemical purity and stability, Alfa Cytology offers highly precise 131I-labeling services. With labeling of a multitude of biomolecules, we can perform dependable in vivo tracking and quantitative imaging throughout preclinical analysis.
131I conjugation service offers tailored solutions for incorporating iodine-131 into biomolecules, ensuring precise radiolabeling for targeted therapy, molecular imaging, and dosimetry in preclinical research.
Producing a quality 131I-radiolabeled antibody entails have various stages that require care and skill. Each step in our workflow is designed to achieve the highest efficiency in labeling and the highest retention of the antibody's biological function.
After labeling, the compound is verified for successful incorporation of 131I. Analytical methods, such as liquid chromatography (LC), mass spectrometry (MS), and scintillation counting, are used to confirm the correct isotopic labeling, purity, and stability of the compound, ensuring that it meets the necessary standards for biological studies.
In vitro tests are performed to evaluate the biological properties of the 131I-labeled radiopharmaceutical. This includes studying its interaction with target receptors, cellular uptake, metabolic stability, and other pharmacological properties.
This essential step begins with quantitative biodistribution and pharmacokinetic (PK) analyses to assess in detail uptake and clearance from different organs and the body as a whole. Later, SPECT imaging in pertinent pathology models serves to demonstrate and analyze the agent's in vivo target specificity and diagnostic capability through blocking experiments.
Applications of 131I-radiolabeling include targeted radiotherapy, SPECT imaging, and pharmacokinetic studies, enabling detailed tracking of radiolabeled compounds in preclinical models for therapeutic and diagnostic insights.

Theranostic and Dosimetry Applications

Industrial & Environmental Tracing
Alfa Cytology offers a comprehensive, one-stop development platform for various forms of 131I labeling, providing end-to-end solutions tailored to your research needs. If you encounter any challenges during the process, please contact us for expert assistance and support.
Reference
For research use only. Not intended for any clinical use.