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177Lu-Radiolabeling Service

177Lu-radiolabeling involves the lutetium-177 incorporation into biomolecules, focusing on therapeutic purposes and SPECT imaging due to its β emissions. Alfa Cytology is capable with the expertise and well-equipped to deliver high-quality 177Lu radiolabeling services and ensuring accurate and effective labeling for successful preclinical application of targeted cancer therapy.

Introduction to 177Lu Isotopes

Lutetium-177 (177Lu) is a radionuclide that is produced in a reactor and has become the foremost isotope in targeted radionuclide therapy. It possesses ideal characteristics, which include the emission of medium-energy beta particles and low-energy gamma photons. The former allows for efficient local tumor therapy while the latter facilitates post-therapy SPECT imaging. The unique "theranostic" feature and a half-life of 6.7 days, which is perfectly matched with the pharmacokinetics of peptides and antibodies, and also its strong chelation chemistry are the reasons why 177Lu is regarded as the best and most dependable option in the development of new therapies for cancer.

Overview of 177Lu-Labeling for Radiopharmaceuticals

177Lu-radiolabeling utilizes lutetium-177, a β emitter, to label biomolecules such as peptides, antibodies, and small molecules for targeted therapeutic applications. This one is mostly utilized in specific radionuclide therapy for its unique ability to target and treat neoplasms with great precision and little collateral damage to surrounding tissue. The incorporation of 177Lu is employed in SPECT imaging as well to track the distribution and assess the response to therapy in preclinical models.

Chemical structure of [177Lu] Lu-PSMA-617.Fig 1. Chemical structure of [177Lu] Lu-PSMA-617. (HENNRICH U, et al., 2022)

177Lu Radiopharmaceutical

Company Therapeutic Area Name Phase
Novartis SSTR-positive GEP-NETs Lutathera® Approved (FDA & EMA)
PSMA-positive prostate cancer Pluvicto® Approved (FDA & EMA)
Novartis Breast cancer 177Lu-NeoB
Solid tumors 177Lu-NNS309
Lantheus Small Cell Lung Cancer LNTH-2503/EVG-321
Neuroendocrine Tumors PNT2003
Telix Pharmaceuticals Prostate PSMA TLX591

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.

Advantages of 177Lu -Labeling

Among radiopharmaceuticals being developed today, lutetium-177 stands out for its prized its almost unique combination of physical and chemical characteristics. With a superb balance of therapeutic effect and in vivo imaging, the lutetium-177 radionuclide serves as a vital component in developing the next generation of targeted theranostic agents.

  • Ideal Therapeutic Beta Emission
  • Enables Theranostic Applications
  • Favorable Half-Life for Logistics and Therapy
  • Well-Established and Stable Chelation Chemistry

Our Services

The preclinical research and the development of 177Lu-radiolabeling solution and 177Lu-based therapies are a key area of focus for our company, and we have extensive research capabilities. Alfa Cytology is committed to the development of novel approaches to targeted cancer therapies, and because of the development of a sophisticated technology platform, our company aims to facilitate the rapid and accurate development of 177Lu-based therapeutics.

Radiolabeling Small Molecule with 177Lu for SPECT Imaging

177Lu Custom Radiosynthesis

To optimize the radiochemical yield while maintaining radiochemical integrity and minimizing variances on each batch, we take careful measures in the planning so that every project moves smoothly on the transition from the designing phase to application.

  • Design Labeling Position: For every small molecule and its complexed chelator (e.g., DOTA), we analyze and assist in defining the labeling on each target. After which, a step-wise protocol is generated that adjusts each parameter designed specifically to achieve 177Lu incorporation while retaining the bioactivity.
  • Precursor Preparation: A specific amount of non-radioactive, chelator-functionalized small molecule is dissolved in a reaction buffer made according to a specific formulation. The high-purity buffer is designed in such a way that its pH and composition maximize chelation and minimize degradation of the precursor.
  • Custom Radiosynthesis: Custom radiosynthesis is performed under carefully monitored and shielded circumstances. This procedure is accomplished by seasoned radiochemists who guarantee the repeatable generation of a high-activity 177Lu-labeled product for your use.

Purification & Quality Control

Once the labeling of the compound has taken place, verification is performed for successful incorporation of 177Lu. Correct isotopic labeling, purity, and compound stability are proven by analytical standards, such as liquid chromatography (LC), mass spectrometry (MS), and scintillation counting, so that the standards for biological study are satisfied.

  • Stability Study Services
    The stability of the radiolabeled compound in vitro is evaluated under varied environments. This encompasses carefully controlled conditions of incubation in PBS and human serum for several hours and days. At specified intervals, the samples are scrutinized by radio-TLC/HPLC to check for any 177Lu detachment or decomposition to confirm that the tracer is intact for the entire imaging procedure.
  • Radiochemical Purity Evaluation Services
    This quality control test serves an essential function. In order to ascertain the proportion of total radioactivity attributable to the 177Lu-labeled product, we utilize analytical methods like Radio-TLC (Thin Layer Chromatography) and Radio-HPLC. This provides a direct measure of the product's impurities and ensures that the product's purity specifications (>95% is typically targeted) are satisfied.

In Vitro Evaluation

In vitro tests are performed to evaluate the biological properties of the 177Lu-labeled radiopharmaceutical. This includes studying its interaction with target receptors, cellular uptake, metabolic stability, and other pharmacological properties.

In Vivo Evaluation

The last step is in vivo evaluation of distribution, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and the overall behavior of the radiolabeled molecule in a living organism. This is done by using imaging and radiometric evaluation of the distribution of 177Lu-labeled compound in various tissues, which helps derive data related to therapy, safety, and targeting of other tissues.

Applications of 177Lu-Radiolabeling

As the premier radionuclide for modern radioligand therapy, the applications of 177Lu-radiolabeling are overwhelmingly focused on creating powerful theranostic agents that can simultaneously treat and image metastatic cancers.

Preclinical Research and Drug Discovery

  • In Vivo Efficacy and Proof-of-Concept Studies for Novel Agents
  • Biodistribution and Pharmacokinetic (PK) Profiling
  • Head-to-Head Comparison of Novel Targeting Ligands
  • Cellular Uptake, Internalization, and Retention Assays
  • Radiobiology Studies on DNA Damage and Repair
  • Evaluation of Combination Therapies (e.g., with Immunotherapy or Chemotherapy)
  • More

Emerging and Investigational Areas

  • Radiosynovectomy for Inflammatory Joint Diseases
  • Nanoparticle- and Liposome-Based Radiotherapeutic Delivery
  • Intra-arterial or Intratumoral Administration Protocols
  • Treatment of Hematological Malignancies
  • Development of Novel Bifunctional Chelators
  • More

Alfa Cytology provides several development options for ¹⁷⁷Lu radiolabeling, which correspond to specific therapeutic applications. If you face difficulty with any part of your project, our team is on standby, ready to assist you to ensure project completion. Reach out to discuss your quest so as to enable us to provide you with the best solution for your research.

Reference

  1. HENNRICH U, EDER M. [(177)Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 (Pluvicto(TM)): The First FDA-Approved Radiotherapeutical for Treatment of Prostate Cancer [J]. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 2022, 15(10).

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

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