Phase-II Study of the Use of PulmoBind for Molecular Imaging of Pulmonary Hypertension

Currently there is only one radiopharmaceutical agent approved in Canada (and the world) for clinical imaging of the pulmonary circulation, metastable isotope 99 of technetium. This agent is exclusively used for the diagnosis of physical defects of the circulation due to pulmonary embolus. There is imperative need for new lung tracers that will provide a greater safety profile while enabling functional as well as anatomical imaging of the pulmonary circulation. A novel adrenomedullin derivative has been developed, for molecular imaging of the pulmonary circulation. PulmoBind is labelled with metastable isotope 99 of technetium, the most commonly used imaging isotope in clinical nuclear medicine. PulmoBind is a adrenomedullin derivative specifically designed to bind to the adrenomedullin receptor while avoiding any hemodynamic effects. This novel tracer has the potential to help in the diagnosis and follow-up of various disorders of the pulmonary circulation for which there is currently no alternative. In PulmoBind I three escalating doses were administered and safety was assessed. The product was well tolerated and there were no safety concerns. Imaging revealed predominant lung uptake.