Ola Åberg

Synthesis of 11C-labeled Sulfonyl Carbamates through a Multicomponent Reaction Employing Sulfonyl Azides, Alcohols, and [11C]CO

Abstract We describe the development of a new methodology focusing on 11C‐labeling of sulfonyl carbamates in a multicomponent reaction comprised of a sulfonyl azide, an alkyl alcohol, and [11C]CO. A number of 11C‐labeled sulfonyl carbamates were synthesized and isolated, and the developed methodology was then applied in the preparation of a biologically active molecule. The target compound was obtained in 24±10 % isolated radiochemical yield and was evaluated for binding properties in a tumor cell assay; in vivo biodistribution and imaging studies were also performed. This represents the first successful radiolabeling of a non‐peptide angiotensin II receptor subtype 2 agonist, C21, currently in clinical trials for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Toward molecular imaging of the free fatty acid receptor 1

AimsMolecular imaging of the free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1) would be a valuable tool for drug development by enabling in vivo target engagement studies in human. It has also been suggested as a putative target for beta cell imaging, but the inherent lipophilicity of most FFAR1 binders produces high off-target binding, which has hampered progress in this area. The aim of this study was to generate a suitable lead compound for further PET labeling.MethodsIn order to identify a lead compound for future PET labeling for quantitative imaging of FFAR1 in human, we evaluated tritiated small molecule FFAR1 binding probes ([3H]AZ1, [3H]AZ2 and [3H]TAK-875) for their off-target binding, receptor density and affinity in human pancreatic tissue (islets and exocrine) and rodent insulinoma.Results[3H]AZ1 showed improved specificity to FFAR1, with decreased off-target binding compared to [3H]AZ2 and [3H]TAK-875, while retaining high affinity in the nanomolar range. FFAR1 density in human islets was approximately 50% higher than in exocrine tissue.ConclusionsAZ1 is a suitable lead compound for PET labeling for molecular imaging of FFAR1 in humans, due to high affinity and reduced off-target binding.