Nuclear Medicine Imaging to support your Drug Development
Nuclear imaging plays a crucial role in preclinical research by offering a non-invasive and quantitative approach to visualize and analyze physiological and pathological processes in living organisms.
With 29 years of experience, Oncodesign Services is your partner for your preclinical studies combined with non-invasive imaging capabilities.
Introduction to nuclear imaging
Nuclear imaging is a medical imaging technique that uses radioactive tracers (radiotracers / radiopharmaceuticals) to visualize and assess the function of organs and tissues within the body. It involves the detection of gamma rays (SPECT imaging) or beta particles (PET imaging) emitted by these radioactive substances.
In the context of preclinical studies, nuclear imaging is commonly used to:
- Study physiological processes,
- Define pharmakokinetics and elimination routes of novel drugs
- Monitor disease progression,
- Evaluate the effectiveness of treatments in laboratory animals.
- Assess Dosimetry of novel radiopharmaceuticals for imaging and therapy
Radiotracers and nuclear imaging
Radiotracers used in preclinical nuclear imaging studies are often designed to target specific molecular pathways, receptors, or biological processes. This targeted approach allows researchers to gain insights into the molecular and cellular aspects of diseases and treatment responses.
Key technologies in nuclear imaging
Nuclear imaging is often combined with other imaging techniques such as CT or MRI to provide complementary anatomical information. This fusion of imaging modalities enhances the overall understanding of the studied biological processes.
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Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
PET is a nuclear imaging technique that involves the injection of a small amount of a positron-emitting radiotracer into the body. The positrons emitted by the radiotracer collide with electrons, producing gamma rays that can be detected by a PET scanner. This allows for the creation of three-dimensional images showing the distribution and concentration of the radiotracer in the body. PET is widely used in preclinical studies to investigate various biological processes, including metabolism, blood flow, and receptor binding.
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Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)
SPECT is another nuclear imaging modality that uses gamma-emitting radiotracers. SPECT imaging detects gamma rays directly. SPECT provides three-dimensional images of radiotracer distribution, allowing researchers to study physiological functions and disease processes in preclinical models.
How Oncodesign Service supports your preclinical studies with nuclear imaging?
Oncodesign Services is a Contract Research Organization (CRO) specializing in nuclear imaging studies which can provide valuable support to biotech and pharmaceutical companies in preclinical studies.
Our experienced teams of scientists, radiochemists, and technicians in imaging techniques such as PET and SPECT contributing to the design and execution of effective nuclear imaging studies.
This expertise includes choosing appropriate radiotracers, optimizing imaging protocols, and determining the most suitable imaging modality for the research goals.
