Creating new tools for labeling biomolecules with a radioactive isotope for imaging purposes
Official title: Development of an Efficient 18F labeling technology based on tetrazine trans-cyclooctene ligation
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10994637 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new ways to make better imaging tools that use a special chemical reaction to help doctors see what's happening in the brain and other parts of the body, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for conditions like cancer and neurological disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | December 5, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $616,880 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA287184-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994637 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing evaluation for brain imaging or cancer diagnosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not require advanced imaging techniques may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced techniques for radiochemistry that utilize a specific chemical reaction known as tetrazine ligation. By improving the synthesis of compounds that can be labeled with the radioactive isotope 18F, the researchers aim to create more effective tools for imaging biomolecules in the brain and other tissues. The project will explore new methodologies to enhance the reactivity and stability of these compounds, making them more accessible for use in medical imaging. Patients may benefit from improved imaging techniques that could lead to better diagnosis and treatment of conditions like cancer and neurological disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more precise and effective imaging techniques for diagnosing and monitoring various diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar chemical reactions for radiolabeling, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Zibo — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Li, Zibo
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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.