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Flutafuranol (18F)

This article discusses the use of Flutafuranol (18F), also known as [18F]NAV4694, in clinical trials for early preclinical Alzheimer’s disease. Flutafuranol (18F) is being studied as a diagnostic tool to measure brain amyloid levels in patients with intermediate or elevated amyloid, which may indicate early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The drug is administered as a solution for intravenous injection and is used in conjunction with positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to assess brain amyloid pathology.

Table of Contents

What is FLUTAFURANOL (18F)?

FLUTAFURANOL (18F), also known as [18F]NAV4694, [18F]AZD4694, or Flutafuranol F 18, is a diagnostic tool used in medical imaging[1]. It is not a treatment or cure for any disease, but rather a substance used to help doctors visualize certain aspects of a patient’s brain during a special type of scan called a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan.

How Does FLUTAFURANOL (18F) Work?

FLUTAFURANOL (18F) is what’s known as a radiotracer. When injected into the body, it travels to the brain and attaches to specific proteins called amyloid plaques. These plaques are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. During a PET scan, the radiotracer allows doctors to see where these plaques are located and how much of them are present in the brain[1].

Medical Conditions FLUTAFURANOL (18F) is Used For

FLUTAFURANOL (18F) is primarily used in the diagnosis and study of Alzheimer’s disease, particularly in its early stages. It’s being investigated for use in two specific conditions[1]:

  • Early Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease with Intermediate Amyloid: This refers to a stage where a person doesn’t yet show symptoms of Alzheimer’s, but has a moderate amount of amyloid plaques in their brain.
  • Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease with Elevated Amyloid: This is similar to the above, but with a higher level of amyloid plaques in the brain.

In both cases, the person doesn’t yet show outward signs of memory loss or cognitive decline, but may be at risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease in the future.

How is FLUTAFURANOL (18F) Administered?

FLUTAFURANOL (18F) is given as an intravenous injection, which means it’s injected directly into a vein[1]. The maximum dose used is 8.1 millicuries (mCi), a unit used to measure radioactivity. This injection is typically given just before a PET scan is performed.

Current Clinical Trials

FLUTAFURANOL (18F) is currently being used in a clinical trial called the AHEAD 3-45 Study[1]. This study aims to investigate the effects of a potential Alzheimer’s treatment called BAN2401 (lecanemab) in people who are at risk for Alzheimer’s but don’t yet show symptoms. FLUTAFURANOL (18F) is being used in this study to measure the levels of amyloid in participants’ brains before and after treatment.

Safety Considerations

While FLUTAFURANOL (18F) is generally considered safe for diagnostic use, there are some important safety considerations[1]:

  • It should not be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
  • People with certain medical conditions, such as HIV, recent cancer, or bleeding disorders, may not be eligible to receive it.
  • It’s not suitable for people who have had recent strokes, seizures, or certain psychiatric conditions.
  • People with certain implants or devices (like pacemakers) may not be able to undergo the PET scan that follows the injection.

As with any medical procedure, it’s important to discuss all potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider before undergoing a scan with FLUTAFURANOL (18F).

Aspect Details
Drug Name Flutafuranol (18F), also known as [18F]NAV4694
Purpose Diagnostic tool for measuring brain amyloid levels in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease
Administration Intravenous injection, maximum dose of 8.1 mCi
Target Population Adults aged 55-80 with intermediate or elevated brain amyloid levels
Imaging Technique Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
Primary Objectives Measure changes in brain amyloid levels and cognitive function over time
Study Duration 216 weeks (approximately 4 years) with potential extension phase

FAQ

  • What is Flutafuranol (18F) and how is it used in Alzheimer's research? Flutafuranol (18F), also known as [18F]NAV4694, is a radioactive substance used in brain imaging. It's injected into the bloodstream and helps detect amyloid plaques in the brain using PET scans. This can help identify people who may be in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease before symptoms appear.
  • Who is eligible to participate in the clinical trials using Flutafuranol (18F)? The trials are looking for participants aged 55 to 80 years old with either intermediate or elevated brain amyloid levels. They must have normal cognitive function (CDR score of 0) and meet specific memory test requirements. Some additional risk factors may be required for younger participants.
  • What is the purpose of using Flutafuranol (18F) in these clinical trials? Flutafuranol (18F) is used to measure brain amyloid levels through PET imaging. This helps researchers identify individuals with preclinical Alzheimer's disease and track changes in amyloid levels over time. The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of potential treatments in reducing amyloid accumulation in the brain.
  • How is Flutafuranol (18F) administered during the trial? Flutafuranol (18F) is given as an intravenous injection. The maximum dose is 8.1 millicuries (mCi), which is a measure of radioactivity. Participants typically receive this injection before undergoing a PET scan to visualize amyloid in their brain.
  • Are there any risks associated with using Flutafuranol (18F)? While the trial information doesn't specify risks related to Flutafuranol (18F), it's important to note that it involves exposure to a small amount of radiation. The trials exclude individuals with certain medical conditions, allergies to monoclonal antibodies, or contraindications to MRI scanning. Always discuss potential risks with the research team before participating in any clinical trial.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Flutafuranol (18F)

  • Study of BAN2401 (lecanemab) in people with early stage Alzheimer’s disease to evaluate its effectiveness in preventing disease progression

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Spain

Glossary

  • Amyloid: A protein that can build up in the brain, forming plaques that are associated with Alzheimer's disease. High levels of amyloid in the brain may indicate an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's.
  • PET (Positron Emission Tomography): An imaging technique that uses a small amount of radioactive material to produce detailed images of structures and activity within the body, particularly useful for visualizing brain function and detecting abnormalities like amyloid plaques.
  • Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease: The stage of Alzheimer's disease where changes in the brain have begun, but there are no noticeable symptoms. This stage can begin years before any cognitive decline is apparent.
  • Centiloid: A standardized unit used to measure and compare amyloid levels in the brain across different PET imaging methods and tracers.
  • CDR (Clinical Dementia Rating): A scale used to assess cognitive and functional performance in older adults. A score of 0 indicates no dementia.
  • MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination): A widely used test of cognitive function among older adults, evaluating things like orientation, memory, and language skills.
  • PACC5 (Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite 5): A cognitive test designed to detect subtle cognitive changes in people who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease but don't yet show symptoms.
  • Tau: A protein that can form tangles in the brain and is associated with the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Tau pathology is often measured alongside amyloid in Alzheimer's research.

References

  1. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-the-effects-of-lecanemab-in-patients-with-early-preclinical-alzheimers-disease/