Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 24, 2026

Automated Preparation of [68Ga]Ga-3BP-3940 on a Synthesis Module for PET Imaging of the Tumor Microenvironment
10:33

Automated Preparation of [68Ga]Ga-3BP-3940 on a Synthesis Module for PET Imaging of the Tumor Microenvironment

Published on: April 25, 2025

1.1K

Preclinical Development of 3BP-3940, a Fibroblast Activation Protein-Targeted Cyclic Peptide-Based Radiotheranostic

Dirk Zboralski1, Frank Osterkamp2, Jan L von Hacht2

  • 13B Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Berlin, Germany dirk.zboralski@3b-pharma.com.

Journal of Nuclear Medicine : Official Publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine
|January 22, 2026
PubMed

Insights

A novel peptide, 3BP-3940, shows high affinity and specificity for Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP). This agent demonstrates potent tumor growth inhibition and minimal uptake in normal tissues, supporting its use in cancer imaging and therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Radiopharmaceutical Science
  • Molecular Imaging

Background:

  • Fibroblast Activation Protein (FAP) is a key marker in the tumor microenvironment.
  • Existing FAP inhibitors have shown promise in cancer imaging.
  • FAP-targeting agents are crucial for theranostic applications in oncology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce and evaluate a novel FAP-targeting peptide, 3BP-3940.
  • To assess the preclinical efficacy and safety of 3BP-3940 for cancer theranostics.
  • To investigate the potential of 3BP-3940 in both diagnostic imaging and therapeutic applications.

Main Methods:

  • Biochemical assays were used to determine the potency and selectivity of 3BP-3940.
  • Biodistribution studies were performed in mice and minipigs.
  • Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated in a preclinical HEK-FAP mouse model.

Main Results:

  • 3BP-3940 demonstrated high affinity and specificity for FAP.
  • Radiolabeled 3BP-3940 (with 177Lu) showed persistent tumor uptake and significant tumor growth inhibition.
  • The agent exhibited minimal off-target uptake in normal tissues across species.

Conclusions:

  • 3BP-3940 is a potent and selective FAP-targeting agent.
  • The preclinical data support the clinical utility of 3BP-3940 for cancer theranostics.
  • 3BP-3940 holds promise for both imaging and radiopharmaceutical therapy in cancer patients.
Keywords:
FAPcancer-associated fibroblastminipigpeptidetheranostictumor microenvironment

More Related Videos

Development of a Backbone Cyclic Peptide Library as Potential Antiparasitic Therapeutics Using Microwave Irradiation08:48

Development of a Backbone Cyclic Peptide Library as Potential Antiparasitic Therapeutics Using Microwave Irradiation

Published on: January 26, 2016

12.4K
Screening and Identification of Small Peptides Targeting Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor2 using a Phage Display Peptide Library07:32

Screening and Identification of Small Peptides Targeting Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor2 using a Phage Display Peptide Library

Published on: September 30, 2019

8.2K

Related Concept Videos

Preclinical Development: Overview01:28

Preclinical Development: Overview

Preclinical development consists of a series of tests that ensure the safety and efficacy of a new therapeutic compound before it is tested in humans. There are four main phases to this process. First, safety pharmacology tests are conducted to ensure the drug does not produce any acutely harmful effects. These tests examine parameters such as bronchoconstriction, cardiac dysrhythmias, blood pressure changes, and ataxia. Next, preliminary toxicological testing is performed to determine the...
5.9K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
8.7K
Peptide Bonds02:43

Peptide Bonds

A peptide bond covalently attaches amino acids through a dehydration reaction. One amino acid's carboxyl group and another amino acid's amino group combine, releasing a water molecule. The resulting bond is the peptide bond. The products that such linkages form are peptides. As more amino acids join this growing chain, the resulting chain is a polypeptide. Each polypeptide has a free amino group at one end. This end has the N-terminal, or the amino-terminal, and the other end has a free...
82.5K
Stereoisomerism of Cyclic Compounds02:33

Stereoisomerism of Cyclic Compounds

In this lesson, we delve into the role of ring conformation and its stability, which determines the spatial arrangement and, consequently, the molecular symmetry and stereoisomerism of cyclic compounds. 1,2-Dimethylcyclohexane is used as a case study to evaluate the possible number of stereoisomers. Here, given the multiple (n = 2) chiral centers, there are 2n = 4 possible configurations that lack a plane of symmetry, as the ring skeleton exists in a non-planar chair conformation. In addition,...
11.0K
Activation and Inactivation of G Proteins01:22

Activation and Inactivation of G Proteins

Heterotrimeric G proteins are guanine nucleotide-binding proteins. As the name suggests, heterotrimeric G proteins are composed of three subunits: alpha, beta, and gamma. They remain GDP-bound or GTP-bound inside the cells and switch between inactive/active states. The Gα subunit possesses the nucleotide-binding pocket that binds guanine nucleotides and switches between GDP or GTP-bound states. In contrast, the Gꞵ and Gγ subunits are always bound together with high...
11.3K
Gene Therapy00:59

Gene Therapy

Gene therapy is a technique where a gene is inserted into a person’s cells to prevent or treat a serious disease. The added gene may be a healthy version of the gene that is mutated in the patient, or it could be a different gene that inactivates or compensates for the patient’s disease-causing gene. For example, in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) due to a mutation in the gene for the enzyme adenosine deaminase, a functioning version of the gene can be...
27.4K