A "dose on demand" Biomarker Generator for automated production of [18F]F− and [18F]FDG

The University of Oklahoma—College of Pharmacy has installed the first Biomarker Generator (BG75) comprising a self-shielded 7.5-MeV proton beam positive ion cyclotron and an aseptic automated chemistry production and quality control module for production of [18F]F− and clinical [18F]FDG. Performance, reliability, and safety of the system for the production of "dose on demand" were tested over several months. No-carrier-added [18F]F− was obtained through the 18O(p,n)18F nuclear reaction by irradiation (20–40 min) of a >95% enriched [18O]H2O target (280 μl) with a 7.5-MeV proton beam (3.5–5.0 μA). Automated quality control tests were performed on each dose. The HPLC-based analytical methods were validated against USP methods of quality control. [18F]FDG produced by BG75 was tested in a mouse tumor model implanted with H441 human lung adenocarcinoma cells. After initial installment and optimization, the [18F]F− production has been consistent since March 2011 with a maximum production of 400 to 450 mCi in a day. The average yield is 0.61 mCi/min and 0.92 mCi/min at 3.8 µA and 5 µA, respectively. The current target window has held up for over 25 weeks against >400 bombardment cycles. [18F]FDG production has been consistent since June 2012 with an average of six doses/day in an automated synthesis mode (RCY≈50%). The release criteria included USP-specified limits for pH, residual solvents (acetonitrile/ethanol), kryptofix, radiochemical purity/identity, and filter integrity test. The entire automated operation generated minimal radiation exposure hazard to the operator and environment. As expected, [18F]FDG produced by BG75 was found to delineate tumor volume in a mouse model of xenograft tumor. In summary, production and quality control of "[18F]FDG dose on demand" have been accomplished in an automated and safe manner by the first Biomarker Generator. The implementation of a cGMP quality system is under way towards the ANDA submission and first clinical use of [18F]FDG produced by BG75. - Highlights: • Biomarker Generator (7.5 MeV cyclotron) for "dose on demand" production of PET biomarkers. • Fully automated FDG production and quality control, requiring minimum operator input. • Ion source comprising of a detachable anode, enabling simple swap and limiting maintenance issues. • Simple and easy to replace internal target