Synthesis and evaluation of 99mTc-moxifloxacin, a potential infection specific imaging agent

To synthesize and evaluate a 99mTc labeled fluroquinolone, moxifloxacin as a potential bacteria specific infection imaging agent. A radiolabeling formulation including moxifloxacin, [MoxicipTM injection, Cipla] (4 mg), sodium pertechnetate and stannous chloride (5 μg) gave the best radiolabeling efficiency and moderately stable labeled 99mTc moxifloxacin. Quality control analysis was performed by ITLC. Rats and rabbit with infectious intramuscular lesions induced in either thigh with E. Colli were used for studying biodistribution and scintigraphic imaging of the labeled product. Imaging of an infected thigh of a rabbit was performed with a γ-camera at various intervals. A good radiolabeling efficiency (90-95%) was obtained within 5 min. No purification of the labeled product was done. Labeled product retained its radiochemical purity upto 85% even at 3 h. Scintigraphy showed uptake in infectious lesions at 30 min after injection, which remains constant upto 3 h study. Abscess-to-muscle ratios were 1.60, 1.62, 1.74 and 1.75 at 30 min, 1, 2 and 3 h, respectively. Thus, 99mTc moxifloxacin, a new potential radiopharmaceutical has been developed for infection imaging agent.