Core Facility „Standardized Preclinical Molecular Imaging Using Flexible Radiopharmaceuticals“

• Subject Area: Radiology
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 461026668

Tracer-based molecular imaging is an important linker between basic studies of biologic mechanisms and the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in molecular medicine. It enables the interrogation of the in vivo biodistribution of molecules throughout the entire body by non-invasive, serial means, in order to provide unique insights into a broad spectrum of pathologies, into pharmacokinetics, and into the effects of targeted interventions. We propose a core facility entitled “Standardized Preclinical Molecular Imaging Using Flexible Radiopharmaceuticals” with the goal of establishing a platform integrating state-of-the-art methodology in radiopharmaceutical chemistry and preclinical molecular imaging that specifically addresses the needs of the loco-regional research community. Available high-end nuclear medicine technology will be optimized in order to address the increasing requests and specific demands of the major research foci of MHH in the fields of infection/immunity, transplantation/regeneration and implants/biomedical technology, with special emphasis on quality assurance, standardization and reproducibility, as well as hygiene and biosafety, optimized tracer production, flexible radiolabeling platforms and profound teaching curricula for staff and collaborators. The overarching goal is to establish a reliable, cross-sectional infrastructure that expedites translational research and accelerates innovation cycles in a dynamic regional scientific framework.

• DFG Programme: Core Facilities
• Applicant Institution: Medizinische Hochschule Hannover
• Leader: Professor Dr. Frank Bengel
• Co-Investigators: Dr. Jens Bankstahl, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Tobias Ludwig Ross