Low Cost 62ZN/62CU Generator for Multi Organ PET Imaging

Positron emission tomography (PET) is recognized as a superior diagnostic imaging techniquein a number of important clinical areas. However, it is currently relegated to a research role due to itsdependence upon in-hospital cyclotrons for radioisotope production with resultant high cost andpotentially unresolvable regulatory issues. We will develop a commercially practical and economical62Zn/62Cu generator for PET radiopharmaceutical production. The versatile chemistry and short 9.7minute half-life of 62Cu make it a very promising agent for a wide variety of PET procedures. However,the 9.3 hour half-life of the 62Zn parent isotope poses substantial commercial challenges since itrequires daily preparation and delivery of the generator. Because PTI has developed and is routinelyproducing the 178W/178Ta generator system with similar technical issues, it is uniquely equipped toundertake this development. The availability of a 62Zn/62Cu generator compatible with straightforwardFDA approval and low cost commercial distribution could elevate the PET technique to the importantclinical role it deserves.