Chemistry

At the Radiopharmaceutical Research Institute, we are involved in developing radiotracers that treat, diagnose or investigate cancer and/or neurodegenerative diseases.

Synthesis

The role of the chemistry group is to design, synthesise and refine ligands that target receptors or binding sites that are characterised by these diseases. These ligands are then radiolabelled and then evaluated in vivo.

Radiolabelling

Often the receptors and/or binding sites can be targeted with high molecular weight peptides or proteins. The chemists are also involved in the design and development of small radiolabelled molecules that can attach to these peptides and proteins. The chemists also strive to develop new ways of radiolabelling.

Automated Synthesis

For large scale production of radioligands, the chemists use automated synthesis modules to protect themselves from being unnecessarily dosed. They are involved in the improvement and enhancement of this technology to adapt to the conditions of their reactions.

The chemists in RRI are also researching the production of new radionuclides for incorporation into new and existing biological targets. As well as producing and isolating new radioisotopes, work has also been directed into improving existing nuclide production/separation strategies to make them more efficient and economically viable.

Isotopes

I¹²³, I¹²⁵, F¹⁸, Tc⁹⁹, Lu¹⁷⁷, Cu⁶⁴