123I-Iofetamine

Description:
¹²³I-Iofetamine, also known by various names including Iodine-123-IMP, SureCN1534301, ¹²³I-N-Isopropyl-p-iodoamphetamine, SPECTamine^®, Perfusamine^®, and IMP, is a radiopharmaceutical imaging agent. It is primarily used for diagnosing disorders related to circulation and the central nervous system (CNS). Initially developed by Medi-Physics Inc., a U.S.-based radiopharmaceutical subsidiary of Roche, the agent was granted marketing authorization in the United States in 1987. However, it was later withdrawn from the U.S. market. Despite its discontinuation in most countries, it remains available in Japan, marketed by FUJIFILM.

Clinical Applications:
¹²³I-Iofetamine is a lipid-soluble compound capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, making it effective for imaging cerebral blood perfusion. It has been used extensively in brain imaging to evaluate blood flow dynamics. The compound has also been studied for potential applications in neonatal neurology and the diagnosis and management of neurological conditions such as dementia, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease.

Availability:
Currently, ¹²³I-Iofetamine is sold exclusively in Japan by FUJIFILM. It has been withdrawn from all other markets, reflecting its diminished global demand.

Market Competition:
The declining interest in ¹²³I-Iofetamine is largely attributed to the availability of more advanced alternatives, such as ^123I-Ioflupane and the now-discontinued ¹²³I-DopaScan. These products offer similar or improved functionality for brain imaging, effectively replacing ¹²³I-Iofetamine in many clinical applications.

Comments:
¹²³I-Iofetamine, marketed under the name SPECTamine^®, was among the pioneering imaging agents developed for studying cerebral blood perfusion and conditions like Parkinson’s disease. However, advancements in radiopharmaceutical technology have introduced newer, more effective solutions. As a result, ¹²³I-Iofetamine has become less relevant in modern nuclear medicine, with limited use outside Japan.