Developing a low-cost platform for producing and testing PET imaging agents
Official title: Microchip electrophoresis as basis for fully integrated, fully automated, low-cost radiopharmaceutical QC platform
Funded at Dropletpharm INC. · NIH-10697506 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, easy-to-use machine that makes and checks special imaging substances called PET tracers, which can help doctors see inside the body better, making it easier and cheaper for patients to get important scans for their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dropletpharm INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Sherman Oaks, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $275,766 |
| NIH project number | 1R43CA278090-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10697506 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients requiring PET imaging for diagnosis or treatment monitoring.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require PET imaging or those with conditions that cannot be assessed using PET will not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new, automated system for producing and testing PET tracers, which are essential for advanced medical imaging. By utilizing microfluidic technology, the project aims to simplify the production process, reduce costs, and ensure the safety of these tracers through integrated quality control. Patients could benefit from more accessible and affordable PET imaging, which can enhance diagnosis and treatment monitoring. The approach involves developing a compact device that combines both the synthesis of tracers and their quality testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could make PET imaging more affordable and widely available for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using microfluidics for tracer production, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Dropletpharm INC.
Sherman Oaks, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jones, Jason — Dropletpharm INC.
- Study coordinator: Jones, Jason
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Creating a low-cost method to produce a PET neurotracer for brain studies
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.
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Creating affordable radiopharmaceuticals for medical imaging and therapy
This study is working on a new, cheaper way to make special medicines used in medical imaging and treatment, so more patients can easily get the care they need.
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.