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Molecular imaging with SPECT as a tool for drug development.
Célia M Gomes1, Antero J Abrunhosa, Pedro Ramos
1Institute of Biophysics/Biomathematics - IBILI, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra University, Portugal. cgomes@ibili.uc.pt
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
|October 12, 2010
Summary
Molecular imaging, including single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), aids drug development. SPECT
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Medical Imaging
- Drug Discovery and Development
Background:
- Molecular imaging is crucial in modern drug development.
- Radionuclide-based imaging like SPECT and PET are valuable tools.
- These techniques support preclinical and early clinical phases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the applications of SPECT imaging in drug development.
- To emphasize SPECT's role in exploratory investigational new drug (IND) studies.
- To highlight SPECT's utility in characterizing drug pharmacokinetics and biodistribution.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on SPECT in drug development.
- Focus on microdosing studies for in vivo characterization.
- Analysis of SPECT's contribution to early-stage clinical testing.
Main Results:
- SPECT's high sensitivity is ideal for microdosing studies.
- SPECT enables early assessment of pharmacokinetics and biodistribution.
- SPECT aids in selecting promising drug candidates, improving success rates.
Conclusions:
- SPECT imaging significantly enhances the efficiency of the drug development process.
- Its application in exploratory IND studies is particularly impactful.
- SPECT contributes to a more informed selection of drug candidates for clinical trials.
