Creating a low-cost method to produce a PET neurotracer for brain studies
Official title: Demonstrating miniaturized production of a KOR PET tracer as a proof-of-concept for low-cost distribution of nascent PET neurotracers
Funded at Dropletpharm INC. · NIH-10822523 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, smaller way to make a special brain imaging tool that helps researchers learn more about brain health and diseases, making it easier and cheaper for more places to use it in their studies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dropletpharm INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Sherman Oaks, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $286,331 |
| NIH project number | 1R41DA059980-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10822523 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals over 21 years old who are involved in studies related to alcohol consumption and its effects on brain health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are under 21 years old or those not involved in neurological studies related to alcohol use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a miniaturized production method for a specific type of PET neurotracer, which is crucial for studying brain health and diseases. By utilizing new microscale technologies, the project aims to make the production of these tracers more efficient and cost-effective, allowing for broader access to important neuroimaging tools. This could enable researchers to conduct more studies on neurological conditions and potentially lead to new treatments. The approach involves optimizing the synthesis process to reduce costs and improve yields, making it feasible for more institutions to produce these tracers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly lower the costs and increase the availability of PET neurotracers, enhancing the ability to study and treat neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing miniaturized production methods for medical tracers, indicating that this approach could be viable.
Where this research is happening
-
Dropletpharm INC.
Sherman Oaks, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jones, Jason — Dropletpharm INC.
- Study coordinator: Jones, Jason
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.