Properties:
62Cu is a generator-produced positron emitter with a half-life of 9.74 min decaying 100% into stable 62Ni. It emits positrons with an average energy of 1,315 keV (97%) and a maximum energy of 2,049 keV.
Manufacturing:
Due to the short half-life of 62Cu, its production is mainly based on decay in a generator (62Zn/62Cu).
Source and availability:
Zinc-62/Copper-62 Generator
Derivatives:
The most common molecules labeled with 64Cu and that have triggered some interest have also been labeled with 62Cu, including 62Cu-ATSM and 62Cu-PTSM. Only a few of them have been tested in a limited number of patients and are apparently, not supported by industrial funds. Proportional Technologies Inc. offers in their catalogue three cold kits developed for 62Cu labeling (ATSM, PTSM, ETS) for preclinical applications. Some studies with tracers labeled with 62Cu are still running.
In the US, 62Cu-PTSM obtained FDA clearance for investigational studies since December 21, 1995 and 62Cu-ETS since May 30, 2006. The first-generation 62Zn/62Cu generator system received FDA clearance to begin clinical investigational studies in June 2002. 62Cu-ETS completed Phase I final trial in 2007. Another study with 62Cu-ETS was initiated in 2011 but terminated in 2019 consequence of the lack of funding.
Price:
Not available.
Issues:
Issues related to 62Cu are mainly linked to the limited access to the generator:
◼ The short half-life of the precursor limits the use of the generator to a single day.
◼ The short half-life of 62Cu as well as its energy profile is not really in its favor (or at least there is enough competition with more available radionuclides.
Comments:
Short half-life makes this radionuclide of very limited interest for industrial applications. 62Cu-radiolabeled compounds that entered clinical trials are all on hold.