About RRI

Head: Dr Ron Weiner
Radiopharmaceuticals Research Institute
ANSTO
New Illawarra Road Lucas Heights
Sydney , NSW, 2234
Australia
Tel 61-2-9717 9242
Fax 61-2-9717 9262

The Radiopharmaceuticals Research Institute (RRI) is engaged in the research, development and application of radiopharmaceutical technology for biomedical imaging.

The institute employs its unique strengths in medicinal synthetic and radiopharmaceutical chemistry and significant expertise in biology, pharmacology, and imaging specialities to underpin the discovery, development and evaluation of novel radiopharmaceuticals and radiopharmaceutical processes. The institute's strategic research program addresses relevant key national research priorities in health as well as the interests of Australian medical research organisations.

RRI's core objectives are to:

• Research and develop novel radiopharmaceuticals for applications in imaging diseases such as cancer, neurodegeneration and inflammation.
• Support clinical research through the development of novel radiopharmaceuticals
• Engage in collaborative biomedical research on the applications of radiopharmaceutical science and imaging with Universities, Medical Research Institutions and Industry.
• Develop 'additional' radionuclides of medical and clinical significance from medical cyclotrons and the new OPAL reactor.
• Provide research support for basic biomedical research involving PhD, Masters and Honours students through the Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering (AINSE)

Radiopharmaceutical Research Institute-Research Areas

The Institute's research activities are composed of four main research areas.

Radiopharmaceutical Research and Development

The focus of this core research activity involves the labelling of biologically significant molecules with radioactive isotopes to better understand and treat human diseases, particularly cancer, neurodegeneration, inflammation, heart disease and diabetes. It is exploiting advances in molecular biology, genomics, proteomics, stem cell technologies, drug development and novel in vivo models of disease. As the Institute's major research activity it involves the design, synthesis, radiolabelling and biological evaluation of novel radiopharmaceuticals for imaging disease processes. Major outcomes of this research activity include the development of novel imaging processes as well as assisting in the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of disease and the evaluation of novel treatments.

Method Development and Process Control

This RRI activity involves the development of novel new methodologies such as new radiolabelling methods and materials, radiochemistry methods, automation and process control and new molecular imaging methods critical to radiopharmaceutical research, development and evaluation. These areas are providing substantial input to the RRI's key research programs as well as providing significant opportunities and value. Significant outputs include dose reduction, streamlined processes, increased reproducibility, reliability and regulatory compliance.

Radionuclide Chemistry, Targetry and Automation

This research activity will underpin future radiopharmaceutical development and imaging. It includes targetry, irradiation science and radionuclide processing. The main focus of this work is to develop expertise and processes for the efficient preparation of radionuclides required for research and clinical applications. The development of basic knowledge in irradiation science, cyclotron operations and nuclear chemistry will enhance the availability of additional radionuclides for medical research.

Collaborative Clinical Research

The RRI's is committed to advancing research outcomes to the clinic for the benefit of patients in the Australian and global communities. A key objective in the institute's PET radiopharmaceutical science and imaging programs is to make major contributions to the enhancement of personalised medicine. To further facilitate this, the RRI has forged key alliances with leading medical institutions. The establishment of the Co-operative Research Centre for Biomedical Imaging Development (CRC-BID), which began in early 2006, is another cornerstone of research in basic biological processes and mechanisms of disease that will ultimately deliver significantly improved targeted treatments in cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and other metabolic disorders. The unique partnerships in the CRC-BID provide unique co-operation and opportunities for the translation of research to the clinic and to commercialisation.