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Positron Emission Tomography

We offer in vivo micro positron emission tomography (PET) study design, execution and data analysis across a broad spectrum of disease models and analytic techniques. Our imaging experts and disease area experts design and execute PET studies for maximal clinical relevance, statistical power, and throughput. Our PET studies are performed using a Siemens Inveon scanner.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a nuclear medicine imaging technique that generates 3D images of an injected PET radioisotope-labeled molecule in the body. Radiotracer distribution is detected via emitted gamma photons resulting from positron-electron annihilation. PET imaging in the preclinical setting (micro-PET) is increasingly being used in drug discovery to study disease biology and biodistribution and kinetics of biologic molecules.

In Vivo Biodistribution Imaging With Long-lived PET Isotopes

A variety of PET isotopes can be used in translational studies to assess test molecule biodistribution, targeting, kinetics, and clearance. We are licensed to use a broad array of PET isotopes (see table below) to assess biodistribution of molecules including:

  • Antibodies
  • Antibody fragments
  • ADCs
  • Peptides
  • Proteins
  • Nanoparticles

The isotopes we can use cover a variety of labeling methods, half-lives, and imaging properties that can be tailored to specific needs.

PET isotopes and their half life and common applications
PET IsotopeHalf LifeCommon Applications
Fluorine-18 [18F]1.8 hoursFLT, FDG
Iodine-124 [124I]4.2 daysIodination labeling of proteins
Zirconium-89 [89Zr]3.27 daysBiodistribution