Radiosynthesis and initial characterization of a PDE10A specific PET tracer [18F]AMG 580 in non-human primates

Introduction: Phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) is an intracellular enzyme responsible for the breakdown of cyclic nucleotides which are important second messengers for neurotransmission. Inhibition of PDE10A has been identified as a potential target for treatment of various neuropsychiatric disorders. To assist drug development, we have identified a selective PDE10A positron emission tomography (PET) tracer, AMG 580. We describe here the radiosynthesis of [(18) F]AMG 580 and in vitro and in vivo characterization results. Methods: The potency and selectivity were determined by in vitro assay using [H-3]AMG 580 and baboon brain tissues. [(18) F]AMG 580 was prepared by a 1-step [(18) F]fluorination procedure. Dynamic brain PET scans were performed in non-human primates. Regions-of-interest were defined on individuals' MRIs and transferred to the co-registered PET images. Data were analyzed using two tissue compartment analysis (2TC), Logan graphical (Logan) analysis with metabolite-corrected input function and the simplified reference tissue model (SRTM) method. A PDE10A inhibitor and unlabeled AMG 580 were used to demonstrate the PDE10A specificity. K-D was estimated by Scatchard analysis of high and low affinity PET scans. Results: AMG 580 has an in vitro K-D of 71.9 pM. Autoradiography showed specific uptake in striatum. Mean activity of 121 18 MBq was used in PET studies. In Rhesus, the baseline BPND for putamen and caudate was 3.38 and 234, respectively, via 2TC, and 3.16, 234 via Logan, and 2.92, and 2.01 via SRTM. A dose dependent decrease of BPND was observed by the pre-treatment with a PDE10A inhibitor. In baboons, 024 mg/kg dose of AMG 580 resulted in about 70% decrease of BPND. The in vivo K-D of [(18) F]AMG 580 was estimated to be around 0.44 nM in baboons. Conclusion: [(18) F]AMG 580 is a selective and potent PDE10A PET tracer with excellent specific striatal binding in non-human primates. It warrants further evaluation in humans. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.