The present technology provides compounds as well as compositions including such compounds useful for the treatment of cancers where the compounds are represented by the following formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein M is an alpha-emitting radionuclide. ##STR00001##

The present invention provides a method for the synthesis of an injectable composition comprising a [.sup.18F]-labelled pyridaben derivative that is advantageous over prior methods. In particular, the method of the present invention comprises a method of radiosynthesis that permits a more facile purification using solid phase extraction (SPE).

Compounds of Marlush formula (I) described in the claims are useful in diagnostic methods for detecting and/or identifying cells presenting PSMA. Disclosed are also methods for preparing the compounds. Representative compounds according to the application are: ##STR00001##

This disclosure provides a family of compounds that absorb and fluoresce in the short wave infrared region (SWIR, optionally 1000 nm to 1300 nm), including hydrophilic compounds that exhibit absorption and emission spectral profiles in aqueous solutions substantially similar to those observed in organic solvents such as methanol or DMSO. The compounds can be chemically linked to biomolecules including proteins, nucleic acids, and therapeutic small molecules. The compounds are useful for imaging in a variety of medical, biological and diagnostic applications, including SWIR in vivo imaging of regions of interest within a mammal.

The present invention relates to radiolabeled compounds of formula I ##STR00001##
wherein either A, B, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, is labeled with a radionuclide selected from .sup.3H, .sup.11C and .sup.18F and its use for imaging alpha synuclein and/or Abeta deposits in mammals.

6-[.sup.18F]Fluoro-2-alkoxynicotinoyl substituted Lys-C(O)-Glu derivatives were identified as efficient imaging probes for PSMA expressing tissues in comparison to other known PSMA specific ligands like [.sup.18F]DCFPyL, [.sup.68Ga]HBED-CC-PSMA, [.sup.18F]PSMA-1007 and [Al.sup.18F]HBED-CC-PSMA. Unexpectedly, the 6-[.sup.18F]fluoro-2-alkoxy and 6-[.sup.18F]fluoro-4-alkoxy substituted analogs showed significant differences in accumulation in PSMA expressing prostate tumor cells. Whereas the 2-alkoxy derivative showed cellular uptake values higher than [.sup.18F]DCFPyL, the cellular uptake of the corresponding 4-alkoxy substituted derivative was significantly lower. Furthermore, in vivo PET studies with 2-alkoxy-substituted probes demonstrated excellent visualization of PSMA positive ganglia with extremely high target to background ratio. In contrast, the 4-alkoxy substituted derivatives showed less favorable biodistribution with significantly lower uptake in PSMA positive tissues. Especially, the .sup.18F-labeled 2-methoxy derivate ((2S)-2-({[(1S)-1-carboxy-5-[(6-[.sup.18F]fluoro-2-methoxypyridin-3-yl)formamido]pentyl]carbamoyl}-amino)pentanedioic acid) demonstrated exceptional clinical efficiency in detecting small PCa lesions, including those which could not be visualized with [.sup.68Ga]HBED-CC-PSMA representing currently the gold standard for the diagnosis of recurrent PCa. Furthermore, this probe is easily accessible on a preparative scale in commercially available automated synthesis modules like GE FASTlab and TRACERlab FX N Pro. Consequently, the novel probe is a valuable tool for the visualization of ganglia and reendothelialization as well as for the diagnosis of glioma, neuropathic pain and atherosclerotic plaques.

The present invention provides a novel method for the preparation of .sup.18F-fluoride (.sup.18F) for use in radiofluorination reactions. The method of the invention finds use especially in the preparation of .sup.18F-labelled positron emission tomography (PET) tracers. The method of the invention is particularly advantageous where bulk solutions are prepared and stored in prefilled vials rather than being freshly prepared on the day of synthesis. Also provided by the present invention is a radiofluorination reaction which comprises the method of the invention, as well as a cassette for use in carrying out the method of the invention and/or the radiofluorination method of the invention on an automated radiosynthesis apparatus.

The present invention provides a novel radioactive compound for imaging malignant melanoma and a use thereof as a contrast agent for PET imaging.

A compound comprising a prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeting moiety of the following formula or of a salt or a solvate thereof. R.sup.0 is O or S. Each of R.sup.1a, R.sup.1b and R.sup.1c may be —CO.sub.2H, —SO.sub.2H, —SO.sub.3H, —PO.sub.2H, or —PO.sub.3H.sub.2, for example. R.sup.2 may be methylene or a derivative thereof, propylene or a derivative thereof, or a derivative of ethylene, optionally substituted. R.sup.3 is a linker. When the PSMA-targeting moiety is linked to a radiolabeling group, the compound may be used as an imaging agent or therapeutic agent for PSMA-expressing diseases/conditions. ##STR00001##

The subject invention concerns materials and methods for treating and/or preventing diseases associated with accumulation of Aβ peptide in neural tissue. The subject invention also concerns materials and methods for treating and/or preventing stress disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In one embodiment, a method of the invention comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of cotinine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to a person or animal in need of treatment. The methods of the invention can be used to prevent and/or treat Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and/or Down's syndrome. The subject invention also concerns compositions that comprise cotinine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or adjuvant. The subject invention concerns materials and methods for detecting and diagnosing conditions associated with accumulation of Aβ peptide in neural tissue, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, using the chemical cotinine. In one embodiment, the method comprises administering cotinine labeled with a detectable label to a person or animal. The presence of labeled cotinine in neural tissue is then determined. The level and/or location of cotinine can be analyzed and a diagnosis made. The subject invention also concerns cotinine labeled with a detectable label. In one embodiment, the cotinine is labeled with a radioisotope that can be detected by Positron Emission Tomography (PET) or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).