A Phosphine Oxide-Functionalized Cyclam as a Specific Copper(II) Chelator

Although cyclam-based ligands are among the strongest copper(II) chelators available, they also usually present good affinity for other divalent cations [Zn(II), Ni(II), and Co(II)], with no copper(II)-specific cyclam ligands having been described so far. As such a property is highly desirable in a wide range of applications, we present herein two novel phosphine oxide-appended cyclam ligands that could be efficiently synthesized through Kabachnik-Fields type reactions on protected cyclam precursors. Their copper(II) coordination properties were closely studied by different physicochemical techniques [electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction, and potentiometry]. The mono(diphenylphosphine oxide)-functionalized ligand demonstrated a copper(II)-specific behavior, unprecedented within the cyclam family of ligands. This was evidenced by UV-vis complexation and competition studies with the parent divalent cations. Density functional theory calculations also confirmed that the particular ligand geometry in the complexes strongly favors copper(II) coordination over that of competing divalent cations, rationalizing the specificity observed experimentally.

N,N-Alkylation Clarifies the Role of N- and O-Protonated Intermediates in Cyclen-Based 64Cu Radiopharmaceuticals

Radioisotopes of Cu, such as ⁶⁴Cu and ⁶⁷Cu, are alluring targets for imaging (e.g., positron emission tomography, PET) and radiotherapeutic applications. Cyclen-based macrocyclic polyaminocarboxylates are one of the most frequently examined bifunctional chelators in vitro and in vivo, including the FDA-approved ⁶⁴Cu radiopharmaceutical, Cu(DOTATATE) (Detectnet); however, connections between the structure of plausible reactive intermediates and their stability under physiologically relevant conditions remain to be established. In this study, we share the synthesis of a cyclen-based, N,N-alkylated spirocyclic chelate, H₂DO3A^C4H8, which serves as a model for N-protonation. Our combined experimental (in vitro and in vivo) and computational studies unravel complex pH-dependent speciation and enable side-by-side comparison of N- and O-protonated species of relevant ⁶⁴Cu radiopharmaceuticals. Our studies suggest that N-protonated species are not inherently unstable species under physiological conditions and demonstrate the potential of N,N-alkylation as a tool for the rational design of future radiopharmaceuticals.

Synthesis of a Bifunctional Cross-Bridged Chelating Agent, Peptide Conjugation, and Comparison of 68 Ga Labeling and Complex Stability Characteristics with Established Chelators

[⁶⁸ Ga]Ga³⁺ can be introduced into receptor-specific peptidic carriers via different chelators to obtain radiotracers for Positron Emission Tomography imaging and the chosen chelating agent considerably influences the in vivo pharmacokinetics of the corresponding radiopeptides. A chelator that should be a valuable alternative to established chelating agents for ⁶⁸ Ga-radiolabeling of peptides would be a backbone-functionalized variant of the chelator CB-DO2A. Here, the bifunctional cross-bridged chelating agent CB-DO2A-GA was developed and compared to the established chelators DOTA, NODA-GA and DOTA-GA. For this purpose, CB-DO2A-GA(tBu)₂ was introduced into the peptide Tyr³ -octreotate (TATE) and in direct comparison to the corresponding DOTA-, NODA-GA-, and DOTA-GA-modified TATE analogs, CB-DO2A-GA-TATE required harsher reaction conditions for ⁶⁸ Ga-incorporation. Regarding the hydrophilicity profile of the resulting radiopeptides, a decrease in hydrophilicity from [⁶⁸ Ga]Ga-DOTA-GA-TATE (log_D(7.4) of -4.11±0.11) to [⁶⁸ Ga]Ga-CB-DO2A-GA-TATE (-3.02±0.08) was observed. Assessing the stability against metabolic degradation and complex challenge, [⁶⁸ Ga]Ga-CB-DO2A-GA demonstrated a very high kinetic inertness, exceeding that of [⁶⁸ Ga]Ga-DOTA-GA. Therefore, CB-DO2A-GA is a valuable alternative to established chelating agents for ⁶⁸ Ga-radiolabeling of peptides, especially when the formation of a very stable, positively charged ⁶⁸ Ga-complex is pursued.

On the dissociation pathways of copper complexes relevant as PET imaging agents

Several bifunctional chelators have been synthesized in the last years for the development of new ⁶⁴Cu-based PET agents for in vivo imaging. When designing a metal-based PET probe, it is important to achieve high stability and kinetic inertness once the radioisotope is coordinated. Different competitive assays are commonly used to evaluate the possible dissociation mechanisms that may induce Cu(II) release in the body. Among them, acid-assisted dissociation tests or transchelation challenges employing EDTA or SOD are frequently used to evaluate both solution thermodynamics and the kinetic behavior of potential metal-based systems. Despite of this, the Cu(II)/Cu(I) bioreduction pathway that could be promoted by the presence of bioreductants still remains little explored. To fill this gap we present here a detailed spectroscopic study of the kinetic behavior of different macrocyclic Cu(II) complexes. The complexes investigated include the cross-bridge cyclam derivative [Cu(CB-TE1A)]⁺, whose structure was determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The acid-assisted dissociation mechanism was investigated using HClO₄ and HCl to analyse the effect of the counterion on the rate constants. The complexes were selected so that the effects of complex charge and coordination polyhedron could be assessed. Cyclic voltammetry experiments were conducted to investigate whether the reduction to Cu(I) falls within the window of common bioreducing agents. The most striking behavior concerns the [Cu(NO2Th)]²⁺ complex, a 1,4,7-triazacyclononane derivative containing two methylthiazolyl pendant arms. This complex is extremely inert with respect to dissociation following the acid-catalyzed mechanism, but dissociates rather quickly in the presence of a bioreductant like ascorbic acid.

Chelation-Tamoxifen Conjugates for Imaging of Estrogen Receptors

Background: The differential diagnosis of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) pathway-activated systems by using a labeled antiestrogen helps to select the patients for optimal response to endocrine therapy and to discontinue the treatment when resistance occurs. The authors' purpose was to synthesize chelator-tamoxifen conjugates for imaging ER (+) diseases. Materials and Methods: A hydroxypropyl linker was incorporated between either cyclam or cyclam diacetic acid and tamoxifen analog to produce SC-05-L-1 (Z-1-(1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecan-1-yl)-3-((5-(4-(2-(diethylamino)ethoxy) phenyl) -4,5-diphenylpent-4-en-1-yl)oxy)propan-2-ol) and SC-05-N-1 (Z-2,2'-(4-(3-((5-(4-(2-(diethylamino)ethoxy)phenyl)-4,5-diphenylpent-4-en-1-yl)oxy)-2-hydroxy-propyl) -1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-1,8-diyl)diacetic acid), respectively. In vitro cell uptake and cell/media ratios of ^99mTc-SC-05-L-1 and ^99mTc- SC-05-N-1 in ER (+) ovarian cancer cells (TOV-112D and OVCAR3) were performed. To ascertain the specificity of cell uptake, the cell uptake was blocked with estrone. In vivo ^99mTc-SC-05-L-1 or ^99mTc-SC-05-N-1 single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography was conducted in tumor-bearing rodents and compared to ¹⁸F-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (¹⁸F-FDG) positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (a reference technology). Results: The radiochemical purities of ^99mTc-SC-05-L-1 and ^99mTc-SC-05-N-1 were greater than 99% (n = 10). ^99mTc-SC-05-L-1 had higher cell/media ratios than ^99mTc-SC-05-N-1 in OVCAR-3 ER (+) cells. The cell uptake of ^99mTc-SC-05-L-1 was blocked 80% by estrone indicating an ER-mediated process occurred. ^99mTc-SC-05-N-1 was further selected for in vivo imaging studies due to higher maximum tolerated dose and superior water solubility than ^99mTc-SC-05-L-1. ^99mTc-SC-05-N-1 showed higher tumor uptake and tumor/muscle count density ratios than ¹⁸F-FDG in tumor-bearing rodents. Conclusion: ^99mTc-SC-05-N-1 showed better differential diagnosis of ovarian tumors than ¹⁸F-FDG, indicating great promising in chelator-tamoxifen conjugate for ER pathway-directed systems imaging.

Towards the development of a targeted albumin-binding radioligand: Synthesis, radiolabelling and preliminary in vivo studies

INTRODUCTION

The compound named 4-[10-(4-(2,5-dioxo-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)butanamido)decyl]-11-[10-(β,d-glucopyranos-1-yl)-1-oxodecyl]-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-1,8-diacetic acid is a newly synthesised molecule capable of binding in vivo to albumin to form a bioconjugate. This compound was given the name, GluCAB(glucose-chelator-albumin-binder)-maleimide-1. Radiolabelled GluCAB-maleimide-1 and subsequent bioconjugate is proposed for prospective oncological applications and works on the theoretical dual-targeting principle of tumour localization through the "enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect" and glucose metabolism.

METHODS

The precursor, GluCAB-amine-2, and subsequent GluCAB-maleimide-1 was synthesised via sequential regioselective, distal N-functionalisation of a cyclam template with a tether containing a synthetically-derived β-glucoside followed by a second linker to incorporate a maleimide moiety for albumin-binding. GluCAB-amine-2 was radiolabelled with [64Cu]CuCl2 in 0.1 M NH4OAc (pH 3.5, 90 °C, 30 min), purified and converted post-labeling in 0.01 M PBS to [64Cu]Cu-GluCAB-maleimide-1. Serum stability and protein binding studies were completed according to described methods. Healthy BALB/c ice (three groups of n = 5) were injected intravenously with [64Cu]Cu-TETA, [64Cu]Cu-GluCAB-amine-2 or [64Cu]Cu-GluCAB-maleimide-1 and imaged using microPET/CT at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24 h post-injection. Biodistribution of the compounds were determined ex vivo after 24 h using gamma counting.

RESULTS

GluCAB-maleimide-1 was synthesised in five consecutive steps with an overall yield of 11%. [64Cu]Cu-GluCAB-amine-2 (97% labelling efficiency) was converted to [64Cu]Cu-GluCAB-maleimide-1 (93% conversion; 90% radiochemical purity). Biodistribution analysis indicated that the control compounds were rapidly and almost completely excreted as compared to [64Cu]Cu-GluCAB-maleimide-1 that exhibited a prolonged biological half-life (6-8 h). Both, [64Cu]Cu-GluCAB-maleimide-1 and -amine-2 were excreted through the hepatobiliary system but a higher hepatic presence of the albumin-bound compound was noted. CONCLUSIONS, ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PATIENT CARE: This initial evaluation paves the way for further investigation into the tumour targeting potential of [64Cu]Cu-GluCAB-maleimide-1. An efficient targeted radioligand will allow for further development of a prospective theranostic agent for more personalized patient treatment which potentially improves overall patient prognosis, outcome and health care.

Cyclam-Based Chelators Bearing Phosphonated Pyridine Pendants for 64Cu-PET Imaging: Synthesis, Physicochemical Studies, Radiolabeling, and Bioimaging

Herein we present the preparation of two novel cyclam-based macrocycles (te1pyp and cb-te1pyp), bearing phosphonate-appended pyridine side arms for the coordination of copper(II) ions in the context of ⁶⁴Cu PET imaging. The two ligands have been prepared through conventional protection-alkylation sequences on cyclam, and their coordination properties have been thoroughly investigated. The corresponding copper complexes have been fully characterized in the solid state (X-ray diffraction analysis) and in solution (EPR and UV-vis spectroscopies). Potentiometric studies combined with spectrometry have also allowed us to determine their thermodynamic stability constants, confirming their high affinity for copper(II) cations. The kinetic inertness of the complexes has been verified by acid-assisted dissociation experiments, enabling their use in ⁶⁴Cu-PET imaging in mice for the first time. Indeed, the two ligands could be quantitatively radiolabeled under mild conditions, and the resulting ⁶⁴Cu complexes have demonstrated excellent stability in serum. PET imaging demonstrated a set of features emerging from the combination of picolinates and phosphonate units: high stability in vivo, fast clearance from the body via renal elimination, and most interestingly, very low fixation in the liver. This is in contrast with what was observed for monopicolinate cyclam (te1pa), which had a non-negligible accumulation in the liver, owing probably to its different charge and lipophilicity. These results thus pave the way for the use of such phosphonated pyridine chelators for in vivo ⁶⁴Cu-PET imaging.

In Vivo Albumin-Binding of a C-Functionalized Cyclam Platform for 64 Cu-PET/CT Imaging in Breast Cancer Model

An improved glucose-chelator-albumin bioconjugate (GluCAB) derivative, GluCAB-2^Mal , has been synthesized and studied for in vivo ⁶⁴ Cu-PET/CT imaging in breast cancer mice models together with its first-generation analogue GluCAB-1^Mal . The radioligand works on the principle of tumor targeting through the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect with a supportive role played by glucose metabolism. [⁶⁴ Cu]Cu-GluCAB-2^Mal (99 % RCP) exhibited high serum stability with immediate binding to serum proteins. In vivo experiments for comparison between tumor targeting of [⁶⁴ Cu]Cu-GluCAB-2^Mal and previous-generation [⁶⁴ Cu]Cu-GluCAB-1^Mal encompassed microPET/CT imaging and biodistribution analysis in an allograft E0771 breast cancer mouse model. Tumor uptake of [⁶⁴ Cu]Cu-GluCAB-2^Mal was clearly evident with twice as much accumulation as compared to its predecessor and a tumor/muscle ratio of up to 5 after 24 h. Further comparison indicated a decrease in liver accumulation for [⁶⁴ Cu]Cu-Glu-CAB-2^Mal .

Revisiting dithiadiaza macrocyclic chelators for copper-64 PET imaging

Synthesis and characterisation of a dithiadiaza chelator NSNS2A, as well as copper complexes thereof are reported in this paper. Solution structures of copper(i/ii) complexes were calculated using density functional theory (DFT) and validated by both NMR and EPR spectroscopy. DFT calculations revealed a switch in the orientation of tetragonal distortion upon protonation, which might be responsible for poor stability of the Cu(II)NSNS2A complex in aqueous media, whilst the same switch in tetragonal distortion was experimentally observed by changing the solvent. The chelator was radiolabeled with 64Cu and evaluated using PET/MRI in rats. Despite a favorable redox potential to stabilize the cuprous state in vivo, the 64Cu(II)NSNS2A complex showed suboptimal stability compared to its tetraazamacrocyclic analogue, 64Cu(TE2A), with a significant 64Cu uptake in the liver.

Copper-64: a real theranostic agent

Ongoing studies of physiological and pathological processes have led to a corresponding need for new radiopharmaceuticals, especially when studies are limited by the absence of a particular radiolabeled target. Thus, the development of new radioactive tracers is highly relevant and can represent a significant contribution to efforts to elucidate important phenomena in biology. Currently, theranostics represents a new frontier in the fields of medicine and nuclear medicine, with the same compound being used for both diagnosis and treatment. In the human body, copper (Cu) is the third most abundant metal and it plays a crucial role in many biological functions. Correspondingly, in various acquired and inherited pathological conditions, such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, alterations in Cu levels have been found. Moreover, a wide spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders are associated with higher or lower levels of Cu, as well as inappropriately bound or distributed levels of Cu in the brain. In human cells, the membrane protein, hCtr1, binds Cu in its Cu(I) oxidation state in an energy-dependent manner. Copper-64 (⁶⁴Cu) is a cyclotron-produced radionuclide that has exhibited physical properties that are complementary for diagnosis and/or therapeutic purposes. To date, very few reports have described the clinical development of ⁶⁴Cu as a radiotracer for cancer imaging. In this review, we highlight recent insights in our understanding and use of ⁶⁴CuCl₂ as a theranostic agent for various types of tumors. To the best of our knowledge, no adverse effects or clinically observable pharmacological effects have been described for ⁶⁴CuCl₂ in the literature. Thus, ⁶⁴Cu represents a revolutionary radiopharmaceutical for positron emission tomography imaging and opens a new era in the theranostic field.

Improved Conjugation, 64-Cu Radiolabeling, in Vivo Stability, and Imaging Using Nonprotected Bifunctional Macrocyclic Ligands: Bis(Phosphinate) Cyclam (BPC) Chelators

Bifunctional derivatives of bis(phosphinate)-bearing cyclam (BPC) chelators bearing a carboxylate, amine, isothiocyanate, azide, or cyclooctyne in the BP side chain were synthesized. Conjugations required no protection of phosphinate or ring secondary amine groups. The ring amines were not reactive (proton protected) at pH < ∼8. For isothiocyanate coupling, oligopeptide N-terminal α-amines were more suitable than alkyl amines, e.g., Lys ω-amine (p K_a ∼7.5-8.5 and ∼10-11, respectively) due to lower basicity. The Cu-64 labeling was efficient at room temperature (specific activity ∼100 GBq/μmol; 25 °C, pH 6.2, ∼100 ligand equiv, 10 min). A representative Cu-64-BPC was tested in vivo showing fast clearance and no nonspecific radioactivity deposition. The monoclonal anti-PSCA antibody 7F5 conjugates with thiocyanate BPC derivative or NODAGA were radiolabeled and studied in PC3-PSCA tumor bearing mice by PET. The radiolabeled BPC conjugate was accumulated in the prostate tumor with a low off-target uptake, unlike Cu-64-labeled NODAGA-antibody conjugate. The BPC chelators have a great potential for theranostic applications of the Cu-64/Cu-67 matched pair.

NOTA Complexes with Copper(II) and Divalent Metal Ions: Kinetic and Thermodynamic Studies

H₃nota derivatives are among the most studied macrocyclic ligands and are widely used for metal ion binding in biology and medicine. Despite more than 40 years of chemical research on H₃nota, the comprehensive study of its solution chemistry has been overlooked. Thus, the coordination behavior of H₃nota with several divalent metal ions was studied in detail with respect to its application as a chelator for copper radioisotopes in medical imaging and therapy. In the solid-state structure of the free ligand in zwitterionic form, one proton is bound in the macrocyclic cavity through a strong intramolecular hydrogen-bond system supporting the high basicity of the ring amine groups (log K_a = 13.17). The high stability of the [Cu(nota)]^- complex (log K_ML = 23.33) results in quantitative complex formation, even at pH <1.5. The ligand is moderately selective for Cu(II) over other metal ions (e.g., log K_ML(Zn) = 22.32 and log K_ML(Ni) = 19.24). This ligand forms a more stable complex with Mg(II) than with Ca(II) and forms surprisingly stable complexes with alkali-metal ions (stability order Li(I) > Na(I) > K(I)). Thus, H₃nota shows high selectivity for small metal ions. The [Cu(nota)]^- complex is hexacoordinated at neutral pH, and the equatorial N₂O₂ interaction is strengthened by complex protonation. Detailed kinetic studies showed that the Cu(II) complex is formed quickly (millisecond time scale at c_Cu ≈ 0.1 mM) through an out-of-cage intermediate. Conversely, conductivity measurements revealed that the Zn(II) complex is formed much more slowly than the Cu(II) complex. The Cu(II) complex has medium kinetic inertness (τ_1/2 46 s; pH 0, 25 °C) and is less resistant to acid-assisted decomplexation than Cu(II) complexes with H₄dota and H₄teta. Surprisingly, [Cu(nota)]^- decomplexation is decelerated in the presence of Zn(II) ions due to the formation of a stable dinuclear complex. In conclusion, H₃nota is a good carrier of copper radionuclides because the [Cu(nota)]^- complex is predominantly formed over complexes with common impurities in radiochemical formulations, Zn(II) and Ni(II), for thermodynamic and, primarily, for kinetic reasons. Furthermore, the in vivo stability of the [Cu(nota)]^- complex may be increased due to the formation of dinuclear complexes when it interacts with biometals.

Cyclam te1pa for64Cu PET imaging. Bioconjugation to antibody, radiolabeling and preclinical application in xenografted colorectal cancer

te1pa conjugated to an F6 antibody was confirmed to be an interesting alternative to dota for⁶⁴Cuin vivoPET imaging.

Synthesis and Evaluation of 1,8-Disubstituted-Cyclam/Naphthalimide Conjugates as Probes for Metal Ions

Fluorescent molecular probes for metal ions have a raft of potential applications in chemistry and biomedicine. We report the synthesis and photophysical characterisation of 1,8‐disubstituted‐cyclam/naphthalimide conjugates and their zinc complexes. An efficient synthesis of 1,8‐bis‐(2‐azidoethyl)cyclam has been developed and used to prepare 1,8‐disubstituted triazolyl‐cyclam systems, in which the pendant group is connected to triazole C4. UV/Vis and fluorescence emission spectra, zinc binding experiments, fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime measurements and pH titrations of the resultant bis‐naphthalimide ligand elucidate a complex pattern of photophysical behaviour. Important differences arise from the inclusion of two fluorophores in the one probe and from the variation of triazole substitution pattern (dye at C4 vs. N1). Introducing a second fluorophore greatly extends fluorescence lifetimes, whereas the altered substitution pattern at the cyclam amines exerts a major influence on fluorescence output and metal binding. Crystal structures of two key zinc complexes evidence variations in triazole coordination that mirror the solution‐phase behaviour of these systems.

New Bifunctional Chelator p-SCN-PhPr-NE3TA for Copper-64: Synthesis, Peptidomimetic Conjugation, Radiolabeling, and Evaluation for PET Imaging

Bifunctional chelators play an important role in developing metallic radionuclide-based radiopharmaceuticals. In this study, a new bifunctional ligand, p-SCN-PhPr-NE3TA, was synthesized and conjugated to a very late antigen-4 targeting peptidomimetic, LLP2A, for evaluating its application in (64)Cu-based positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The new ligand exhibited strong selective coordination of Cu(II), leading to a robust Cu complex, even in the presence of 10-fold Fe(III). The LLP2A conjugate of p-SCN-PhPr-NE3TA was prepared and successfully labeled with (64)Cu under mild conditions. The conjugate (64)Cu-NE3TA-PEG4-LLP2A showed significantly higher specific activity, compared with (64)Cu-NOTA-PEG4-LLP2A, while maintaining comparable serum stability. Subsequent biodistribution studies and PET imaging in mice bearing B16F10 xenografts confirmed its favorable in vivo performance and high tumor uptake with low background, rendering p-SCN-PhPr-NE3TA a promising bifunctional chelator for (64)Cu-based radiopharmaceuticals.

New synthesis of phenyl-isothiocyanate C-functionalised cyclams. Bioconjugation and (64)Cu phenotypic PET imaging studies of multiple myeloma with the te2a derivative

Azamacrocyclic bifunctional chelating agents (BCAs) are essential for the development of radiopharmaceuticals in nuclear medicine and we wish to prove that their bioconjugation by a function present on a carbon atom of the macrocyclic skeleton is a solution of choice to maintain their in vivo inertness. Based on our very recent methodology using a bisaminal template and selective N-alkylation approach, a new synthesis of conjugable C-functionalised teta, te2a and cb-te2a has been developed. These chelators have indeed a growing interest in nuclear medicine for positron emission tomography (PET) and radioimmunotherapy (RIT) where they show in several cases better complexation properties than dota or dota-like macrocycles, especially with (64)Cu or (67)Cu radioisotopes. Chelators are bearing an isothiocyanate grafting function introduced by C-alkylation to avoid as much as possible a critical decrease of their chelating properties. The synthesis is very efficient and yields the targeted ligands, teta-Ph-NCS, te2a-Ph-NCS and cb-te2a-Ph-NCS without fastidious work-up and could be easily extended to other cyclam based-BCAs. The newly synthetised te2a-Ph-NCS has been conjugated to an anti mCD138 monoclonal antibody (mAb) to evaluate its in vivo behavior and potentiality as BCA and to explore a first attempt of PET-phenotypic imaging in multiple myeloma (MM). Mass spectrometry analysis of the immunoconjugate showed that up to 4 chelates were conjugated per 9E7.4 mAb. The radiolabeling yield and specific activity post-purification of the bioconjugate 9E7.4-CSN-Ph-te2a were 95 ± 2.8% and 188 ± 27 MBq mg(-1) respectively and the immunoreactivity of (64)Cu-9E7.4-CSN-Ph-te2a was 81 ± 7%. Animal experiments were carried out on 5T33-Luc(+) tumor bearing mice, either in subcutaneous or orthotopic. To achieve PET imaging, mice were injected with (64)Cu-9E7.4-CNS-Ph-te2a and acquisitions were conducted 2 and 20 h post-injection (PI). A millimetric bone uptake was localised in a sacroiliac of a MM orthotopic tumor. Nonspecific uptakes were observed at 2 h PI but, unlike for the tumor, a significant decrease was observed at 20 h PI which improves the contrast of the images.

Current and Future Theranostic Applications of the Lipid-Calcium-Phosphate Nanoparticle Platform

Over the last four years, the Lipid-Calcium-Phosphate (LCP) nanoparticle platform has shown success in a wide range of treatment strategies, recently including theranostics. The high specific drug loading of radiometals into LCP, coupled with its ability to efficiently encapsulate many types of cytotoxic agents, allows a broad range of theranostic applications, many of which are yet unexplored. In addition to providing an overview of current medical imaging modalities, this review highlights the current theranostic applications for LCP using SPECT and PET, and discusses potential future uses of the platform by comparing it with both systemically and locally delivered clinical radiotherapy options as well as introducing its applications as an MRI contrast agent. Strengths and weaknesses of LCP and of nanoparticles in general are discussed, as well as caveats regarding the use of fluorescence to determine the accumulation or biodistribution of a probe.

Reinforced cyclam derivatives functionalized on the bridging unit

The introduction of one or two nitriles on the bridge of reinforced cyclams paves the way for the synthesis of new bifunctional chelating agents. X-ray structures of the chelators and of two copper complexes are reported.

Phosphonate Pendant Armed Propylene Cross-Bridged Cyclam: Synthesis and Evaluation as a Chelator for Cu-64

A propylene cross-bridged macrocyclic chelator with two phosphonate pendant arms (PCB-TE2P) was synthesized from cyclam. Various properties of the synthesized chelator, including Cu-complexation, Cu-complex stability, (64)Cu-radiolabeling, and in vivo behavior, were studied and compared with those of a previously reported propylene cross-bridged chelator (PCB-TE2A).

A [two-step/one week] synthesis of C-functionalized homocyclens and cyclams. Application to the preparation of conjugable BCAs without chelating properties alteration

An efficient synthesis ofC-functionalized azamacrocycles is presented together with a coordination study showing the week influence of the added appended group.

New bifunctional chelator for 64Cu-immuno-positron emission tomography

A new tetraazamacrocyclic bifunctional chelator, TE2A-Bn-NCS, was synthesized in high overall yield from cyclam. An extra functional group (NCS) was introduced to the N-atom of TE2A for specific conjugation with antibody. The Cu complex of TE2A-Bn-NCS showed high kinetic stability in acidic decomplexation and cyclic voltammetry studies. X-ray structure determination of the Cu-TE2A-Bn-NH2 complex confirmed octahedral geometry, in which copper atom is strongly coordinated by four macrocyclic nitrogens in equatorial positions and two carboxylate oxygen atoms occupy the elongated axial positions. Trastuzumab was conjugated with TE2A-Bn-NCS and then radiolabeled with 64Cu quantitatively at room temperature within 10 min. Biodistribution studies showed that the 64Cu-labeled TE2A-Bn-NCS-trastuzumab conjugates maintain high stability in physiological conditions, and NIH3T6.7 tumors were clearly visualized up to 3 days by 64Cu-immuno-positron emission tomography imaging in animal models.

New cross-bridged cyclam derivative CB-TE1K1P, an improved bifunctional chelator for copper radionuclides

A new cross-bridged cyclam chelator, CB-TE1K1P, was developed for copper-based radiopharmaceuticals, and this chelator can be labelled with (64)Cu under mild conditions in high specific activity. DBCO-PEG4-CB-TE1K1P was synthesized for conjugation to proteins, while Dde-CB-TE1K1P((t)Bu2)-OH was synthesized for solid-phase peptide synthesis. Examples of the conjugation chemistry, radiolabelling and serum stability of each are presented.

Chelators for copper radionuclides in positron emission tomography radiopharmaceuticals

The development of chelating agents for copper radionuclides in positron emission tomography radiopharmaceuticals has been a highly active and important area of study in recent years. The rapid evolution of chelators has resulted in highly specific copper chelators that can be readily conjugated to biomolecules and efficiently radiolabeled to form stable complexes in vivo. Chelators are not only designed for conjugation to monovalent biomolecules but also for incorporation into multivalent targeting ligands such as theranostic nanoparticles. These advancements have strengthened the role of copper radionuclides in the fields of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. This review emphasizes developments of new copper chelators that have most greatly advanced the field of copper-based radiopharmaceuticals over the past 5 years.

Matching chelators to radiometals for radiopharmaceuticals

Radiometals comprise many useful radioactive isotopes of various metallic elements. When properly harnessed, these have valuable emission properties that can be used for diagnostic imaging techniques, such as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT, e.g.(67)Ga, (99m)Tc, (111)In, (177)Lu) and positron emission tomography (PET, e.g.(68)Ga, (64)Cu, (44)Sc, (86)Y, (89)Zr), as well as therapeutic applications (e.g.(47)Sc, (114m)In, (177)Lu, (90)Y, (212/213)Bi, (212)Pb, (225)Ac, (186/188)Re). A fundamental critical component of a radiometal-based radiopharmaceutical is the chelator, the ligand system that binds the radiometal ion in a tight stable coordination complex so that it can be properly directed to a desirable molecular target in vivo. This article is a guide for selecting the optimal match between chelator and radiometal for use in these systems. The article briefly introduces a selection of relevant and high impact radiometals, and their potential utility to the fields of radiochemistry, nuclear medicine, and molecular imaging. A description of radiometal-based radiopharmaceuticals is provided, and several key design considerations are discussed. The experimental methods by which chelators are assessed for their suitability with a variety of radiometal ions is explained, and a large selection of the most common and most promising chelators are evaluated and discussed for their potential use with a variety of radiometals. Comprehensive tables have been assembled to provide a convenient and accessible overview of the field of radiometal chelating agents.

Non-cross-bridged tetraazamacrocyclic chelator for stable (64)cu-based radiopharmaceuticals

N-mono/dimethylated TE2A tetraazamacrocycles (MM-TE2A and DM-TE2A) were synthesized in high yields. Both Cu-MM/DM-TE2A complexes showed increased kinetic stability compared to that of Cu-TE2A, whereas Cu-DM-TE2A showed even higher in vitro stability than that of Cu-ECB-TE2A. MM-TE2A and DM-TE2A were quantitatively radiolabeled with (64)Cu ions and showed rapid clearance from the body to emerge as a potential efficient bifunctional chelator.

New macrobicyclic chelator for the development of ultrastable 64Cu-radiolabeled bioconjugate

Ethylene cross-bridged cyclam with two acetate pendant arms, ECB-TE2A, is known to form the most kinetically stable (64)Cu complexes. However, its usefulness as a bifunctional chelator is limited because of its harsh radiolabeling conditions. Herein, we report new cross-bridged cyclam chelator for the development of ultrastable (64)Cu-radiolabeled bioconjugates. Propylene cross-bridged TE2A (PCB-TE2A) was successfully synthesized in an efficient way. The Cu(II) complex of PCB-TE2A exhibited much higher kinetic stability than ECB-TE2A in acid decomplexation studies, and also showed high resistance to reduction-mediated demetalation. Furthermore, the quantitative radiolabeling of PCB-TE2A with (64)Cu was achieved under milder conditions compared to ECB-TE2A. Biodistribution studies strongly indicate that the (64)Cu complexes of PCB-TE2A cleared out rapidly from the body with minimum decomplexation.

A New Synthesis of TE2A-a Potential Bifunctional Chelator for (64)Cu

PURPOSE

The development of a new bifunctional chelator, which holds radiometals strongly in living systems, is a prerequisite for the successful application of disease-specific biomolecules to medical diagnosis and therapy. Recently, TE2A was reported to make kinetically more stable Cu(II) complexes than TETA. Herein, we report a new synthetic route to TE2A and explore its potential as a bifunctional chelator.

METHODS

TE2A was synthesized using the regioselective alkylation of benzyl bromoacetate and successive deprotection of the methylene bridge and benzyl group. Salt-free TE2A was radiolabeled with (64)Cu and microPET imaging was performed to follow the clearance pattern of the (64)Cu-TE2A complex. TE2A was conjugated with cyclic RGD peptide and the TE2A-c(RGDyK) conjugate was radiolabeled with (64)Cu.

RESULTS

TE2A was prepared in salt-free form from cyclam in an overall yield of 74%. The microPET images showed that (64)Cu-TE2A is excreted rapidly from the body by the kidney and liver. TE2A was successfully conjugated with c(RGDyK) peptide through one carboxylate group and the TE2A-c(RGDyK) conjugate was radiolabeled with (64)Cu in 94% yield within 30 min.

CONCLUSION

TE2A can be used by itself as a bifunctional chelator without any further structural modification.