A new system for producing carbon-11 radiotracers for imaging studies.

Automated Multi-run Carbon-11 Radiosynthesis System

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10854402

This study is working on a new machine to make special imaging substances that help doctors see important details in the brain for patients with Alzheimer's and certain cancers, so they can better understand and treat these conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10854402 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on acquiring an advanced automated system for the synthesis of carbon-11 radiotracers, which are crucial for PET imaging in clinical and pre-clinical settings. The new system will be installed at the Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, enhancing the production capacity of radiotracers like [11C]PIB that target beta-amyloid, a key protein involved in Alzheimer's disease. By increasing the availability of these radiotracers, the project aims to support a variety of imaging studies that can lead to better understanding and treatment of conditions such as Alzheimer's and certain cancers. This initiative will also ensure that ongoing research is not disrupted by equipment failures or limitations in production capacity.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals undergoing PET imaging for Alzheimer's disease or related conditions.

Not a fit: Patients not undergoing PET imaging or those with conditions unrelated to Alzheimer's or cancer may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the availability of essential imaging agents for diagnosing and studying Alzheimer's disease and other conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has demonstrated the effectiveness of carbon-11 radiotracers in imaging studies, indicating that this approach is well-established and has shown success.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions CancersCardiovascular Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.