A new system for producing carbon-11 radiotracers for imaging studies.
Official title: Automated Multi-run Carbon-11 Radiosynthesis System
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10854402 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $609,250 |
| NIH project number | 1S10OD036385-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10854402 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals undergoing PET imaging for Alzheimer's disease or related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing PET imaging or those with conditions unrelated to Alzheimer's or cancer may not receive direct benefits from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peterson, Todd E — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Peterson, Todd E
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.