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Fonseca ICF, Pais ML, Rodrigues FMS, Sereno J, Castelo-Branco M, Cavadas C, Pereira MM, Abrunhosa AJ. Improved Chemical and Radiochemical Synthesis of Neuropeptide Y Y 2 Receptor Antagonist N-Methyl-JNJ-31020028 and Preclinical Positron Emission Tomography Studies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:474. [PMID: 38675435 PMCID: PMC11053772 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is one of the most abundant peptides in the central nervous system of mammals and is involved in several physiological processes through NPY Y1, Y2, Y4 and Y5 receptors. Of those, the Y2 receptor has particular relevance for its autoreceptor role in inhibiting the release of NPY and other neurotransmitters and for its involvement in relevant mechanisms such as feeding behaviour, cognitive processes, emotion regulation, circadian rhythms and disorders such as epilepsy and cancer. PET imaging of the Y2 receptor can provide a valuable platform to understand this receptor's functional role and evaluate its potential as a therapeutic target. In this work, we set out to refine the chemical and radiochemical synthesis of the Y2 receptor antagonist N-[11C]Me-JNJ31020028 for in vivo PET imaging studies. The non-radioactive reference compound, N-Me-JNJ-31020028, was synthesised through batch synthesis and continuous flow methodology, with 43% and 92% yields, respectively. N-[11C]Me-JNJ-31020028 was obtained with a radiochemical purity > 99%, RCY of 31% and molar activity of 156 GBq/μmol. PET imaging clearly showed the tracer's biodistribution in several areas of the mouse brain and gut where Y2 receptors are known to be expressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês C. F. Fonseca
- CIBIT/ICNAS, Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (I.C.F.F.); (M.L.P.); (J.S.); (M.C.-B.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- ICNAS Pharma, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mariana Lapo Pais
- CIBIT/ICNAS, Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (I.C.F.F.); (M.L.P.); (J.S.); (M.C.-B.)
| | - Fábio M. S. Rodrigues
- Coimbra Chemistry Centre, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (F.M.S.R.); (M.M.P.)
| | - José Sereno
- CIBIT/ICNAS, Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (I.C.F.F.); (M.L.P.); (J.S.); (M.C.-B.)
- ICNAS Pharma, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- CIBIT/ICNAS, Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (I.C.F.F.); (M.L.P.); (J.S.); (M.C.-B.)
- ICNAS Pharma, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Cavadas
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB—Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mariette M. Pereira
- Coimbra Chemistry Centre, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (F.M.S.R.); (M.M.P.)
| | - Antero J. Abrunhosa
- CIBIT/ICNAS, Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (I.C.F.F.); (M.L.P.); (J.S.); (M.C.-B.)
- ICNAS Pharma, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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Mc Veigh M, Bellan LM. Microfluidic synthesis of radiotracers: recent developments and commercialization prospects. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1226-1243. [PMID: 38165824 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00779k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a powerful diagnostic tool that holds incredible potential for clinicians to track a wide variety of biological processes using specialized radiotracers. Currently, however, a single radiotracer accounts for over 95% of procedures, largely due to the cost of radiotracer synthesis. Microfluidic platforms provide a solution to this problem by enabling a dose-on-demand pipeline in which a single benchtop platform would synthesize a wide array of radiotracers. In this review, we will explore the field of microfluidic production of radiotracers from early research to current development. Furthermore, the benefits and drawbacks of different microfluidic reactor designs will be analyzed. Lastly, we will discuss the various engineering considerations that must be addressed to create a fully developed, commercially effective platform that can usher the field from research and development to commercialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Mc Veigh
- Interdisciplinary Materials Science Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Leon M Bellan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
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Mallapura H, Tanguy L, Mahfuz S, Bylund L, Långström B, Halldin C, Nag S. Advancements in Microfluidic Cassette-Based iMiDEV™ Technology for Production of L-[ 11C]Methionine and [ 11C]Choline. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:250. [PMID: 38399466 PMCID: PMC10891588 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic technology is a highly efficient technique used in positron emission tomography (PET) radiochemical synthesis. This approach enables the precise control of reactant flows and reaction conditions, leading to improved yields and reduced synthesis time. The synthesis of two radiotracers, L-[11C]methionine and [11C]choline, was performed, using a microfluidic cassette and an iMiDEVTM module by employing a dose-on-demand approach for the synthesis process. We focused on optimizing the precursor amounts and radiosynthesis on the microfluidic cassette. L-[11C]methionine and [11C]choline were synthesized using a microreactor filled with a suitable resin for the radiochemical reaction. Trapping of the [11C]methyl iodide, its reaction, and solid-phase extraction purification were performed on a microreactor, achieving radiochemical yields of >80% for L-[11C]methionine and >60% for [11C]choline (n = 3). The total synthesis time for both the radiotracers was approximately 20 min. All quality control tests complied with the European Pharmacopeia standards. The dose-on-demand model allows for real-time adaptation to patient schedules, making it suitable for preclinical and clinical settings. Precursor optimization enhanced the cost efficiency without compromising the yield. The importance of dose-on-demand synthesis and optimized precursor utilization to produce L-[11C]methionine and [11C]choline was emphasized in this study. The results demonstrated the feasibility of dose-on-demand adaptations for clinical applications with reduced precursor quantities and high radiochemical yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemantha Mallapura
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden; (H.M.); (S.M.); (C.H.)
| | - Laurent Tanguy
- Business Unit Nuclear Medicine, PMB-Alcen, Route des Michels CD56, F-13790 Peynier, France;
| | - Samin Mahfuz
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden; (H.M.); (S.M.); (C.H.)
| | - Lovisa Bylund
- Department of Radiopharmacy, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Bengt Långström
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, SE-75123 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Christer Halldin
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden; (H.M.); (S.M.); (C.H.)
| | - Sangram Nag
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden; (H.M.); (S.M.); (C.H.)
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Ovdiichuk O, Lahdenpohja S, Béen Q, Tanguy L, Kuhnast B, Collet-Defossez C. [ 18F]fluoride Activation and 18F-Labelling in Hydrous Conditions-Towards a Microfluidic Synthesis of PET Radiopharmaceuticals. Molecules 2023; 29:147. [PMID: 38202730 PMCID: PMC10779751 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
18F-labelled radiopharmaceuticals are indispensable in positron emission tomography. The critical step in the preparation of 18F-labelled tracers is the anhydrous F-18 nucleophilic substitution reaction, which involves [18F]F- anions generated in aqueous media by the cyclotron. For this, azeotropic drying by distillation is widely used in standard synthesisers, but microfluidic systems are often not compatible with such a process. To avoid this step, several methods compatible with aqueous media have been developed. We summarised the existing approaches and two of them have been studied in detail. [18F]fluoride elution efficiencies have been investigated under different conditions showing high 18F-recovery. Finally, a large scope of precursors has been assessed for radiochemical conversion, and these hydrous labelling techniques have shown their potential for tracer production using a microfluidic approach, more particularly compatible with iMiDEV™ cassette volumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Ovdiichuk
- Nancyclotep, Molecular Imaging Platform, 54500 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | - Salla Lahdenpohja
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA Inserm, CNRS, BioMaps, 91401 Orsay, France
| | - Quentin Béen
- Nancyclotep, Molecular Imaging Platform, 54500 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | | | - Bertrand Kuhnast
- Université Paris Saclay, CEA Inserm, CNRS, BioMaps, 91401 Orsay, France
| | - Charlotte Collet-Defossez
- Nancyclotep, Molecular Imaging Platform, 54500 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
- Université de Lorraine, Inserm, IADI, 54000 Nancy, France
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Mallapura H, Ovdiichuk O, Jussing E, Thuy TA, Piatkowski C, Tanguy L, Collet-Defossez C, Långström B, Halldin C, Nag S. Microfluidic-based production of [ 68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 and [ 68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC using the cassette-based iMiDEV™ microfluidic radiosynthesizer. EJNMMI Radiopharm Chem 2023; 8:42. [PMID: 38091157 PMCID: PMC10719436 DOI: 10.1186/s41181-023-00229-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The demand for 68Ga-labeled radiotracers has significantly increased in the past decade, driven by the development of diversified imaging tracers, such as FAPI derivatives, PSMA-11, DOTA-TOC, and DOTA-TATE. These tracers have exhibited promising results in theranostic applications, fueling interest in exploring them for clinical use. Among these probes, 68Ga-labeled FAPI-46 and DOTA-TOC have emerged as key players due to their ability to diagnose a broad spectrum of cancers ([68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46) in late-phase studies, whereas [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC is clinically approved for neuroendocrine tumors. To facilitate their production, we leveraged a microfluidic cassette-based iMiDEV radiosynthesizer, enabling the synthesis of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC based on a dose-on-demand (DOD) approach. RESULTS Different mixing techniques were explored to influence radiochemical yield. We achieved decay-corrected yield of 44 ± 5% for [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 and 46 ± 7% for [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC in approximately 30 min. The radiochemical purities (HPLC) of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC were 98.2 ± 0.2% and 98.4 ± 0.9%, respectively. All the quality control results complied with European Pharmacopoeia quality standards. We optimized various parameters, including 68Ga trapping and elution, cassette batches, passive mixing in the reactor, and solid-phase extraction (SPE) purification and formulation. The developed synthesis method reduced the amount of precursor and other chemicals required for synthesis compared to conventional radiosynthesizers. CONCLUSIONS The microfluidic-based approach enabled the implementation of radiosynthesis of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC on the iMiDEV™ microfluidic module, paving the way for their use in preclinical and clinical applications. The microfluidic synthesis approach utilized 2-3 times less precursor than cassette-based conventional synthesis. The synthesis method was also successfully validated in a similar microfluidic iMiDEV module at a different research center for the synthesis of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-46 with limited runs. Our study demonstrated the potential of microfluidic methods for efficient and reliable radiometal-based radiopharmaceutical synthesis, contributing valuable insights for future advancements in this field and paving the way for routine clinical applications in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemantha Mallapura
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, SE-17176, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Olga Ovdiichuk
- Nancyclotep, Molecular Imaging Platform, 5 Rue du Morvan, 54500, Vandoeuvre Les Nancy, France
| | - Emma Jussing
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Radiopharmacy, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tran A Thuy
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Radiopharmacy, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Laurent Tanguy
- PMB-Alcen, Route des Michels CD56, 13790, Peynier, France
| | - Charlotte Collet-Defossez
- Nancyclotep, Molecular Imaging Platform, 5 Rue du Morvan, 54500, Vandoeuvre Les Nancy, France
- Inserm, IADI, Université de Lorraine, 54000, Nancy, France
| | - Bengt Långström
- Department of Chemistry, Uppsala University, 75123, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Christer Halldin
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, SE-17176, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sangram Nag
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, SE-17176, Stockholm, Sweden
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Coll RP, Bright SJ, Martinus DKJ, Georgiou DK, Sawakuchi GO, Manning HC. Alpha Particle-Emitting Radiopharmaceuticals as Cancer Therapy: Biological Basis, Current Status, and Future Outlook for Therapeutics Discovery. Mol Imaging Biol 2023; 25:991-1019. [PMID: 37845582 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-023-01857-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Critical advances in radionuclide therapy have led to encouraging new options for cancer treatment through the pairing of clinically useful radiation-emitting radionuclides and innovative pharmaceutical discovery. Of the various subatomic particles used in therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals, alpha (α) particles show great promise owing to their relatively large size, delivered energy, finite pathlength, and resulting ionization density. This review discusses the therapeutic benefits of α-emitting radiopharmaceuticals and their pairing with appropriate diagnostics, resulting in innovative "theranostic" platforms. Herein, the current landscape of α particle-emitting radionuclides is described with an emphasis on their use in theranostic development for cancer treatment. Commonly studied radionuclides are introduced and recent efforts towards their production for research and clinical use are described. The growing popularity of these radionuclides is explained through summarizing the biological effects of α radiation on cancer cells, which include DNA damage, activation of discrete cell death programs, and downstream immune responses. Examples of efficient α-theranostic design are described with an emphasis on strategies that lead to cellular internalization and the targeting of proteins involved in therapeutic resistance. Historical barriers to the clinical deployment of α-theranostic radiopharmaceuticals are also discussed. Recent progress towards addressing these challenges is presented along with examples of incorporating α-particle therapy in pharmaceutical platforms that can be easily converted into diagnostic counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P Coll
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1881 East Rd, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Scott J Bright
- Department of Radiation Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 6565 MD Anderson Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - David K J Martinus
- Department of Radiation Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 6565 MD Anderson Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Dimitra K Georgiou
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1881 East Rd, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Gabriel O Sawakuchi
- Department of Radiation Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 6565 MD Anderson Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - H Charles Manning
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1881 East Rd, Houston, TX, 77054, USA.
- Cyclotron Radiochemistry Facility, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1881 East Rd, Houston, TX, 77054, USA.
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Wang X, Wang T, Fan X, Zhang Z, Wang Y, Li Z. A Molecular Toolbox of Positron Emission Tomography Tracers for General Anesthesia Mechanism Research. J Med Chem 2023; 66:6463-6497. [PMID: 37145921 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
With appropriate radiotracers, positron emission tomography (PET) allows direct or indirect monitoring of the spatial and temporal distribution of anesthetics, neurotransmitters, and biomarkers, making it an indispensable tool for studying the general anesthesia mechanism. In this Perspective, PET tracers that have been recruited in general anesthesia research are introduced in the following order: 1) 11C/18F-labeled anesthetics, i.e., PET tracers made from inhaled and intravenous anesthetics; 2) PET tracers targeting anesthesia-related receptors, e.g., neurotransmitters and voltage-gated ion channels; and 3) PET tracers for studying anesthesia-related neurophysiological effects and neurotoxicity. The radiosynthesis, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of the above PET tracers are mainly discussed to provide a practical molecular toolbox for radiochemists, anesthesiologists, and those who are interested in general anesthesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Wang
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Xiaowei Fan
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Yingwei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Zijing Li
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
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Ovdiichuk O, Béen Q, Tanguy L, Collet C. Synthesis of [ 68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 using the iMiDEV™ microfluidic platform. REACT CHEM ENG 2023. [DOI: 10.1039/d3re00038a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Implementation of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 production into the microfluidic synthesizer iMiDEV™, a proof-of-concept study opening access to the microfluidic production of various [68Ga]Ga-radiopharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Ovdiichuk
- Nancyclotep, Molecular Imaging platform, 54500 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | - Quentin Béen
- Nancyclotep, Molecular Imaging platform, 54500 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | | | - Charlotte Collet
- Nancyclotep, Molecular Imaging platform, 54500 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
- Université de Lorraine, Inserm, IADI, F-54000 Nancy, France
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