Due to its unique ability to visualize physiological and biochemical processes at the molecular level, positron emission tomography (PET) is not only a crucial tool in clinical diagnostics but also invaluable in drug development and therapy monitoring. PET particularly benefits from the increasing number of novel, disease-specific radiotracers. However, the full diagnostic potential of many PET radiopharmaceuticals remains underutilized in clinical settings due to the lack of standardized and efficient methods for their automated production in high activity yields.

The development of new synthesis strategies and processes for the production of radioactive pharmaceuticals, as well as their transfer to fully automated, computer-controlled synthesis modules, are key research and operational focuses of the Radiopharmaceutical Production Group led by Dr. Philipp Krapf. The interdisciplinary team, comprising CTAs, laboratory technicians, engineers, electrical technicians, radiation safety experts, and chemists, works continuously to optimize established synthesis methods in terms of reliability, reproducibility, and efficiency, while also developing innovative radiotracers for patient care and for preclinical and clinical studies.

Since most of the radiotracers produced are intended for use in humans, their production is subject to strict quality standards in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines. The radiopharmaceutical production team therefore maintains a GMP-compliant quality management system, ensuring both product quality and regulatory compliance for market authorization.

Within the INM-5, the working group forms a central interface between the laboratory and clinic and makes a decisive contribution to knowledge transfer in the framework of a “from bench to bedside” principle. As an integral part of an established network comprising the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine and the surrounding clinics in Aachen, Bonn, Cologne and Düsseldorf, it enables translationally oriented research with a direct influence on both laboratory work and patient care.