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131I-Radiolabeling Service

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.

Introduction to 131I Isotopes

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.

131I-Labeling for Radiopharmaceutical

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.

The prediction of radiosynthesis reaction of [¹³¹I] I-AM.Fig 1. The prediction of the radiosynthesis reaction of [131I] I-AM. (NURHIDAYAH W, et al., 2023)

131I Radiopharmaceutical

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.

Features of 131I-Radiopharmaceutical

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.

Our Services

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.

Custom 131I Conjugation Service

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.

Workflow for Developing 131I-Radiolabeled Antibody Conjugates

131I Custom Antibody Labeling

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.

  • Strategy & Reagent Selection: In this phase, defining the best labeling method is essential. Your needs in stability, immunoreactivity, and the application guide our specialists in selecting either direct or indirect labeling. We determine the key parameters such as specific activity, radionuclide purity, and formulation.
  • Antibody Modification & Conjugation Prep: For indirect labeling, we first conjugate your antibody to a bifunctional chelator under optimized conditions. For direct labeling, the antibody is prepared in a desired reaction buffer. This not only maximizes the labeling but also preserves the antibody function.
  • Custom Radiosynthesis: At the core of our service is the effective implementation of 131I incorporation using established techniques (e.g., Iodogen). Radiolabeling is carried out in a shielded environment by qualified radiochemists. To guarantee high radiochemical yield while preserving the functionality of the antibody, the reaction is meticulously controlled and monitored.

Purification & Quality Control

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.

  • Stability Study Services
    This service analyzes and assesses critical information on the long-term viability of the labeled product and the performance during transport, storage, and biological application. This includes the short-term and long-term stability, both in ambient storage and during serum challenge, i.e., incubation in human serum.
  • Radiochemical Purity Evaluation
    To identify the desired [131I]-labeled antibody conjugate, we check the percentage of total radioactivity. This is mainly done using analytical iTLC and HPLC with radiometric detection methods. The free iodide and other radioactive impurities present are quantified and documented.
  • Lipophilicity Study Services
    Evaluating the partition coefficient (Log P) between n-octanol and PBS determines the hydrophilicity and lipophilicity of the conjugate. This is one of the most important predictors of in vivo pharmacokinetics, clearance routes, and non-specific distribution in tissues, and is vital for understanding biodistribution patterns.
  • Immunoreactivity Assay Services
    We conduct a cell-binding assay on target-expressing cells to measure the amount of the radiolabeled antibody that remains specifically binding to its target antigen. This confirms to us that the labeling procedure has not damaged the binding site of the antibody, validating the biological viability of the product for in vivo targeting.

In Vitro Evaluation

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.

In Vivo Evaluation

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

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

  • Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) with Labeled Antibodies
  • Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT)
  • Small Molecule-Based Targeted Radiotherapy
  • Treatment of Thyroid Disorders in Animal Models
  • Post-Therapy Scintigraphy for Dosimetry and Localization
  • More

Industrial & Environmental Tracing

  • Industrial Process Monitoring (e.g., Leak Detection, Flow Rate)
  • Hydrological and Groundwater Movement Studies
  • Environmental Fate and Transport Analysis
  • Materials Science, Wear, and Corrosion Measurement
  • More

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

  1. NURHIDAYAH W, WIDYASARI E M, DARUWATI I, et al. Radiosynthesis, Stability, Lipophilicity, and Cellular Uptake Evaluations of [(131)I]Iodine-α-Mangostin for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy [J]. International journal of molecular sciences, 2023, 24(10).

For research use only. Not intended for any clinical use.

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