⁴⁷Sc-Radiolabeling Service

⁴⁷Sc-radiolabeling theranostic agents by conjugating biologics with Scandium-47 provides powerful beta-particle therapy alongside SPECT imaging for real-time in-vivo visualization. Alfa Cytology has the facilities and the know-how in radiometal-chemistry to synthesize and manufacture custom ⁴⁷Sc labeled biologics with high purity and stability, to address the needs for advanced preclinical research and custom theranostic agents.

Introduction to ⁴⁷Sc Isotopes

Scandium-47 (⁴⁷Sc) is an emerging theranostic radionuclide that is significant for next-generation radiopharmaceuticals.  It decays with a 3.35-day half-life via beta-minus (β^-) emission, which provides a localized therapeutic effect, while at the same time, emitting a 159 keV gamma photon, which permits quantitative SPECT imaging. The properties of ⁴⁷Sc are ideally suited for attaching to large biologics, like monoclonal antibodies, which have slow pharmacokinetics.

⁴⁷Sc-Labeling for SPECT Imaging

Scandium-47 (⁴⁷Sc) labeling is an advanced method for creating next-generation theranostic agents. This technique utilizes the dual decay of the isotope, which is therapeutic beta-minus particles and simultaneous SPECT imaging of the 159 keV gamma photon. Furthermore, ⁴⁷Sc serves as the therapeutic partner to Scandium-44 (⁴⁴Sc), a PET imaging isotope, enabling a powerful PET-to-SPECT image-guided therapy strategy.

Fig 1. Schematic of a ⁴⁷Sc-labeled molecule interacting with a target cell.

Advantages of ⁴⁷Sc-Labeling

Our Services

Alfa Cytology researches and develops custom-labeled biologics and powerful theranostic agents by mastering the complex chelation chemistry of Scandium-47, enabling simultaneous beta-particle therapy and SPECT imaging from a single molecule. Partner with us to harness this pioneering capability and expedite the development of your novel vectors into preclinical-ready candidates for image-guided therapy.

Custom ⁴⁷Sc Conjugation Service

The ⁴⁷Sc conjugation service offers specialized chelation chemistry to equip next-generation biologics with Scandium-47 to form potent theranostic agents capable of simultaneous beta-particle radiotherapy and SPECT imaging to assess response.

Small-Molecule Radionuclide Conjugate (SMRC)

Antibody-Radionuclide Conjugate (ARC)

Peptide-Radionuclide Conjugate (PRC)

siRNA-Radionuclide Conjugate

Workflow for Developing ⁴⁷Sc-Radiolabeled Antibody Conjugates

⁴⁷Sc Custom Antibody Labeling

• Strategy & Reagent Selection: For every project, we take the time to understand your targeting and application needs through a detailed consultation. Then our specialists identify the most suitable antibody, bifunctional chelator, and radiolabeling buffer system. This preliminary approach ensures a high radiochemical yield, which preserves the final conjugate immunoreactivity.
• Chelator-Antibody Conjugation: With care and appropriate technique, the antibody is conjugated to the bifunctional chelator under controlled, non-denaturing conditions to form the stable covalent link, creating the precursor for subsequent radiolabeling. Reaction conditions are thoroughly optimized to preserve the antibody integrity while achieving a reproducible ratio of chelator to antibody.
• Intermediate Purification & Characterization: The antibody that has been conjugated is purified from surplus chelator and byproducts of the chemical reaction through dialysis or size-exclusion methods. This important intermediate is characterized by the concentration, purity, and chelator load to ensure a well-defined starting material for the subsequent radiosynthesis.
• Custom Radiosynthesis: Under specific temperature, pH, and reaction time conditions, the purified conjugate interacts with ⁴⁷Sc. The protocol aims to produce a radiolabeled product wherein the specific activity and the labeling efficiency are maximized, optimized, and ready for the final processing steps.

Purification & Quality Control

Verification of successful incorporation of ⁴⁷Sc is done post-labeling with the aid of liquid chromatography (LC), mass spectrometry (MS), and scintillation counting of the compound to ascertain the correct isotopic labeling, the purification, and the stability of the compound for biological research.

In Vitro Evaluation

In vitro tests are performed to evaluate the biological properties of the ⁴⁷Sc-labeled radiopharmaceutical. This includes studying its interaction with target receptors, cellular uptake, metabolic stability, and other pharmacological properties.

In Vivo Evaluation

During this key stage, the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics (PK) studies should be conducted to capture the uptake of the agent within various organs and the body clearance rate. This is then followed by the SPECT imaging in relevant disease models aimed at visually verifying target engagement and, through in vivo blocking experiments, conclusively proving the diagnostic potential of the agent.

Applications of ⁴⁷Sc-Radiolabeling

The applications of ⁴⁷Sc-radiolabeling are focused on pioneering advanced theranostic strategies, leveraging its unique ability to provide both beta-particle therapy and simultaneous SPECT imaging from a single radiopharmaceutical.

Alfa Cytology has brilliant scientists who excel in advanced chelation chemistry, especially in Scandium-47. We have the ability to invent advanced biologics to devise and develop new theranostic agents capable of treating and imaging simultaneously. This is an invitation for you to contact us and collaborate to utilize this innovative isotope technology. Our team is ready to help you advance your scientific vision to a preclinical-ready theranostic candidate.

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