Imaging Agent Synthesis via Precursor Merging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for synthesizing imaging agents for heart failure diagnosis are inefficient, requiring multiple synthetic steps, low chemical fidelity, and low chemical efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Development of new methods and compositions for synthesizing imaging agents, including specific compounds and their salt forms, that streamline the synthesis process, improve chemical fidelity, and enhance efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional multi-step synthetic methods are used to prepare imaging agents, then the synthesis can be performed with conventional procedures, but the chemical fidelity and chemical efficiency are low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechemical fidelityVSAvoidchemical efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple synthetic steps into a single step by using a precursor compound that already contains the imidazole ring and amino acid side chain structure. The imaging agent is formed in one step by reacting this pre-assembled precursor with a labeling reagent, eliminating the need for separate steps to form the imidazole ring and attach the amino acid side chain, thereby improving both chemical fidelity and efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action by pre-assembling the imidazole ring and amino acid side chain into a single precursor compound before the final labeling step. This precursor is designed to react directly with the imaging moiety in a single step, avoiding the need for intermediate steps that would reduce chemical fidelity and efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple synthetic and purification steps are used, then the synthesis can be performed with conventional methods, but the process time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynthesis reliabilityVSAvoidsynthesis time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple synthetic steps and purification operations into a single step by using a precursor that is pre-configured with the correct molecular structure. This eliminates the time required for intermediate purification steps and reduces the overall synthesis time while maintaining reliability through a straightforward single-step reaction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional labeling methods are used, then the imaging agents can be prepared, but the chemical efficiency and fidelity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechemical fidelityVSAvoidchemical efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the molecular structure of the precursor to include specific functional groups (imidazole ring with amino acid side chain) that enable direct reaction with imaging moieties. This structural parameter change allows the reaction to proceed in a single step with high chemical fidelity and efficiency, improving both manufacturing precision and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The new methods and compositions enable the efficient synthesis of imaging agents, improving their chemical fidelity and efficiency, which is crucial for effective heart failure diagnosis and management.

Implementation Method 1

reacting a compound of formula (II) with a source of fluoride to form an imaging agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNucleophilic substitution: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS20250171398A1Compositions, methods, and systems for the synthesis and use of imaging agents
Publication Date: 2025.05.29 LANTHEUS MEDICAL IMAGING INC
  • US20250171398A1 patent drawing
  • US20250171398A1 patent drawing
  • US20250171398A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention generally relates to novel synthetic methods, systems, kits, salts, and precursors useful in medical imaging. In some embodiments, the present invention provides compositions comprising an imaging agent precursor, which may be formed using the synthetic methods described herein. An imaging agent may be converted to an imaging agent using the methods described herein. In some cases, the imaging agent is enriched in 18F. In some cases, an imaging agent including salt forms (e.g., ascorbate salt) may be used to image an area of interest in a subject, including, but not limited to, the heart, cardiovascular system, cardiac vessels, brain, and other organs.