99mTc-TRODAT-1 is a radiopharmaceutical used for the imaging of dopamine transporter (DAT) in the brain, primarily for the diagnosis and monitoring of Parkinson’s disease. It is a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging agent labeled with the radioisotope technetium-99m (99mTc).
The dopamine transporter is a protein responsible for the reuptake of dopamine from the synaptic cleft back into the presynaptic neuron. In Parkinson’s disease, there is a degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the striatum, leading to a reduction in DAT levels. By imaging DAT levels using 99mTc-TRODAT-1, clinicians can assess the integrity of the dopaminergic system and aid in the early diagnosis and monitoring of Parkinson’s disease.
99mTc-TRODAT-1 offers several advantages as a Parkinson’s disease imaging agent, including high specificity for DAT, good brain penetration, and rapid clearance from non-target tissues. This allows for accurate and reliable imaging results with minimal background noise. Overall, 99mTc-TRODAT-1 is a valuable tool in the management of Parkinson’s disease, providing important information for treatment planning and monitoring disease progression.
Description
99mTc-TRODAT-1 (NC-100697) is a generic SPECT Parkinson Disease imaging agent that is now generic. Its development was not pursued following the launch of 123I-DaTscan (123I-Ioflupane) and attempt to market 123I-DopaScan (123I-β-CIT, 123I-Iometopane), but copies are now available in some countries.
Clinical applications
99mTc-TRODAT is used in the imaging of dopamine transporters (DAT) located in the dopaminergic presynaptic neuron terminals in the striatum. As such this pharmacological tool is useful for differentiating Parkinson’s disease (PD) from non-PD.
This molecule is still involved in clinical trials, in particular in China (Fudan University) or as diagnostic tool to support development of drugs.
Availability
BRIT (TCK-55) and Pars Isotope (Trodat Tck-pars-2800) do have TRODAT in their portfolios and the product is also marketed in Brazil by Grupo RPH (formerly Radiopharmacus).
Competition
TRODAT is to be found in countries where DaTscan is not available. However, TRODAT never got a MA and these generic products are considered as research tools. Alternatives to TRODAT for brain imaging are 18F-DOPA, 123I-DopaScan™ (only research tool), DaTscan™ and may be one day 123I-E-IACFT / Altropane (if development restarts).
Comments
TRODAT was developed by MP Kung and published for the first time in 1997. MP Kung also participated in the pipeline development of Avid Radiopharmaceuticals.