Opportunities in low-level radiocarbon microtracing: applications and new technology

Area of Science:

• Pharmacokinetics and Drug Development
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomedical Instrumentation

Background:

• 14C-radiolabeled drug studies are essential for understanding drug disposition in clinical development.
• Concerns regarding radiation exposure have limited the frequency of these valuable studies.
• Traditional methods for detecting 14C have limitations in sensitivity and cost.

Approach:

• Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) offers a highly sensitive method for detecting 14C.
• AMS allows for significantly reduced radiative and chemical exposures through microtracing and microdosing.
• Recent advancements in AMS instrumentation are addressing previous limitations in size and cost.

Key Points:

• AMS technology has evolved from geochronology applications to biomedical research.
• High sensitivity of AMS enables human clinical testing with minimal radiation exposure.
• Ongoing developments promise even more advanced 14C detection systems, including laser-based CO2 measurement.

Conclusions:

• AMS is revolutionizing in-human radiolabeled drug studies by enhancing safety and reducing exposure.
• Technological progress in AMS is increasing its feasibility for routine clinical use.
• Future innovations in 14C detection will further expand the utility of these studies in drug development.