Project leader

 

Prof. Dr. Pirjo Nuutila, MD Cardiovascular and metabolic research Phone:+358 2313 1868 Fax:+358 2231 8191 Email

Prof. Dr. Olof Solin Radiochemistry research and development Phone:+358 2313 2851 Fax:+358 2231 8191 Email

 

Adj. Prof. Dr. Jukka Kemppainen, MD Nuclear Mecdicine Specialist Phone:+358 2 313 0196 Fax:- Email

 

Dr. Marko Seppänen, MD Nuclear medicine Phone:+358 2313 0492 Fax+358 2313 2892 Email

 

Dr. Cheng-Bin Yim Radiopharmaceutical chemistry laboratory Phone:+358 2313 9116 Fax+358 2231 8191 Email

 

Kirsi Mikkola, MSc Preclinical research and imaging Phone:+358 2333 7013 Fax:+358 2 231 8191 Email

 

Paula Lehtiniemi, MSc Radiopharmaceutical chemistry laboratory Phone:+358 2 313 2851 Fax:+358 2 231 8191 Email

Institute presentation

About Turku PET Centre

Turku PET Centre is a Finnish national research institute for the use of short-lived positron emitting isotopes in the field of medical research. The Centre was established in 1970s as a joint collaboration between University of Turku, Åbo Akademi University and Turku University Hospital. Turku PET Centre is equipped with cyclotron laboratories, radiochemistry laboratories, preclinical laboratories and the PET imaging laboratory. The Centre has 3 cyclotrons for PET radionuclide production. The radiochemistry laboratory consists of 19 hot cells, with automated synthesis equipment for tracer development and production, and is operating under GMP quality standards. The imaging laboratory consists of 5 dedicated clinical PET scanners, 1 MRI scanner and 1 digital ultrasound device. The preclinical laboratory is equipped with an Inveon Multimodality PET/CT.

The Centre has two major functions, high quality scientific research and diagnostic service for the whole country. The scientific research strategy of the Turku PET Centre involves four major topics: cellular energy metabolism, neurotransmission, preclinical imaging and drug research, and radiochemistry research. The studies are carried out with dedicated physicists and radiochemists, experienced (pre)clinical investigators and other professionals. In addition, the Centre is actively pursuing collaboration with academia and industry to promote and finance its highly interdisciplinary studies.

Contribution within BetaCure

University of Turku (UTU) has developed and will continue optimization of an 18F-labelled exendin-4 analogue towards a clinical grade compound. This 18F-labelled compound may offer the following advantages over the 68Ga-labelled counterpart: improved image quality, lower radiation exposure, especially in the radiosensitive kidney.

Within the work packages UTU is responsible for:
WP2: Optimizing and preclinical evaluation of GLP-1R targeting compounds, especially 18F-exendin-4 for beta cell imaging and its comparison with 68Ga-exendin-4 and 18F-DOPA.
WP3: In close cooperation with WP2, translational testing will be performed for 18F-exendin-4 before clinical trials. GMP production of 18F-exendin-4 is anticipated to occur later during the runtime of the project.
WP4: Clinical evaluation of different exendin-based tracers and 18F-DOPA in humans during therapeutic interventions and therapies.