¹⁸F-Radiolabeling Service

Alfa Cytology is a premier provider of specialized ¹⁸F-radiolabeling services and offers comprehensive, end-to-end solutions for developing and producing fluorine-18 labeled compounds. With state-of-the-art facilities and a team of seasoned radiochemists, we deliver high-quality, reliable radiolabeled tracers to accelerate your drug discovery, development, and molecular imaging programs.

Introduction to ¹⁸F Isotopes

Fluorine-18 (¹⁸F) is a positron-emitting isotope with near-ideal physical characteristics for diagnostic imaging. It decays primarily by positron emission (97%) with a manageable half-life of approximately 109.8 minutes, which provides a practical window for complex radiosynthesis, quality control, and in vivo administration and imaging. Its decay produces 511 keV gamma photons, which are perfectly suited for detection by positron emission tomography (PET) scanners, enabling highly sensitive and quantitative imaging.

¹⁸F-Labeling for PET Imaging

The incorporation of the ¹⁸F isotope into target molecules creates powerful radiotracers for non-invasive PET imaging. This technique enables the real-time visualization, characterization, and quantification of biological processes in vivo, including receptor density, enzyme activity, and pharmacokinetics. By tracking the distribution of an ¹⁸F-labeled compound, researchers can gain insights into disease mechanisms, assess therapy efficacy, and make informed decisions in preclinical settings, revolutionizing fields like oncology, neurology, and cardiology.

Fig 1. Representative in vivo profiling of [¹⁸F]AlF-NOTA-QHY-04. (Cheng, K., et al., 2024)

¹⁸F Radiopharmaceutical

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 ¹⁸F Labeling

Our Services

Alfa Cytology is equipped with state-of-the-art radiosynthesis modules and quality control systems to deliver compliant ¹⁸F-labeled compounds. Our team of expert radiochemists and radiopharmacists provides an integrated service, managing every aspect from molecular design and precursor synthesis to preclinical validation and regulatory support, ensuring a seamless and reliable partnership.

Custom ¹⁸F Conjugation Service

Alfa Cytology offers tailored ¹⁸F conjugation services, utilizing advanced labeling strategies to efficiently incorporate the isotope into your molecule of interest, including biologics and complex small molecules that require a customized approach.

Small-Molecule Radionuclide Conjugate (SMRC)

Antibody-Radionuclide Conjugate (ARC)

Peptide-Radionuclide Conjugate (PRC)

siRNA-Radionuclide Conjugate

Workflow for Developing ¹⁸F-Radiolabeled Small Molecule Conjugates

¹⁸F Custom Radiosynthesis

• Design Strategy: Beginning with a collaborative design strategy, our team selects the optimal radiolabeling approach based on your molecule's structural and physicochemical properties.
• Precursor Synthesis & Qualification: Involving the synthesis and meticulous characterization of the non-radioactive precursor, this step ensures its identity, purity, and suitability for subsequent radiosynthesis.
• Protocol Optimization: Requiring systematic optimization of critical parameters like temperature, time, solvent, and catalyst, this phase maximizes the radiochemical yield and specific activity of the intermediate.
• Custom Radiosynthesis: All ¹⁸F-labeling syntheses are performed by our expert team in dedicated, controlled environments to guarantee reliable and reproducible results.

Purification & Quality Control

Ensuring the highest standards of tracer integrity, safety, and performance, our comprehensive quality control protocol is integral to every production batch. Employing advanced analytical techniques, we rigorously characterize and validate each ¹⁸F-labeled compound to meet stringent specifications for applications.

In Vitro Evaluation

Offering a suite of in vitro assays to validate tracer performance, our services include binding affinity assessments (K_d, IC₅₀), selectivity profiling, and stability measurements in biological matrices.

In Vivo Evaluation

Providing critical preclinical data, our imaging services include PET/CT studies in relevant animal models to evaluate a tracer's biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, target engagement, and overall in vivo performance.

Applications of ¹⁸F-Radiolabeling

¹⁸F-radiolabeling serves as a cornerstone technology for developing targeted radiotracers for PET. This versatile technique enables the non-invasive visualization and quantification of biological processes. Its capability to track novel therapeutic compounds also makes it indispensable in drug development, facilitating critical pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies across preclinical diagnostics.

Why Choose Us?

Justified by an unwavering commitment to scientific excellence, a proven track record in delivering complex ¹⁸F-labeled compounds, and a collaborative approach to solving unique radiolabeling challenges with innovative solutions, we are the ideal partner for your project.

Experience in ¹⁸F
Chemistry

Full-Service
Development

State-of-the-Art
Facilities

Application-Specific
Tailored Solutions

Partner with Alfa Cytology to leverage our deep expertise and state-of-the-art capabilities in ¹⁸F-radiolabeling. We are committed to providing the reliable, high-quality data you need to de-risk development and accelerate your programs from bench to bedside. Contact our team today to initiate a discussion about your specific project requirements and how we can support your research.

Reference

1. Cheng, Kai et al. "PET imaging of CXCR4 expression using [¹⁸F] AlF-NOTA-QHY-04 for hematologic malignancy and solid tumors." Theranostics 14.16 (2024): 6337-6349.

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