Preclinical Development of Novel Radiopharmaceuticals

Summary

This project focuses on the preclinical development of novel radiopharmaceuticals targeting key cancer-associated markers including CA125/MUC16, carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) and fibronectin splice isoforms. These markers are expressed in a wide range of ovarian and renal cancers. 

We intend to explore and develop novel agents targeting these biomarkers for the purpose of detecting, characterising and staging these cancers as well as potentially identifying novel radionuclide based treatment approaches. We aim to design, synthesise, radiolabel and evaluate novel ligands that bind to the above-mentioned cancer targets with high specificity. 

The goal is to create agents suitable for positron emission tomography (PET) as well as for radioligand therapy using beta and alpha emitting isotopes. 

The project will span the preclinical pipeline with prospects for clinical translation: 

  • Ligand design and synthesis, informed by structure-activity relationships. Radiolabelling with diagnostic radionuclides (Gallium-68, Zirconium-89).
  • In vitro characterisation, including binding assays (e.g. surface plasmon resonance) and specificity profiling.
  • In vivo evaluation in mouse models to assess pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, tumour targeting using PET imaging and therapeutic efficacy.
  • Use of therapeutic nuclides (Lutetium-177, Actinium-225) for targeted radioligand therapy.

Project aims

The ultimate aim is to develop radiopharmaceutical candidates that meet preclinical criteria for translation into first-in-human trials. This partnership has the right mix of skills and expertise for a successful project in this area leveraging the industrial knowhow and advanced technologies developed and available from Philochem with the ability in Cambridge to do complex radiochemistry, preclinical imaging and expanding footprint advanced clinical imaging. 

The availability of high end technology within the UoC such as the cyclotron and Radiopharmaceutical Unit and the imminent commissioning of full body PET will be an added value to this project

Contact details

Luigi Aloj - la398@cam.ac.uk

Opportunities

This project is open to applicants who want to do a:

  • PhD