Focus on ANSTO - Radiopharmaceutical research supports PET program

Australia’s nuclear research agency is a key participant in CRC BID, contributing its impressive expertise in radiopharmaceutical research and development.

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) operates Australia’s nuclear research reactor, OPAL, which was officially opened in the Sydney suburb of Lucas Heights in April 2007. OPAL is used for a wide variety of nuclear research projects as well as the production of radioisotopes for industrial and medical purposes. OPAL’s predecessor, the HIFAR research reactor, is currently being decommissioned.

ANSTO also operates the National Medical Cyclotron in the Sydney suburb of Camperdown, which produces a separate range of radioisotopes.

ANSTO’s main contribution to CRC BID is through its Radiopharmaceuticals Research Institute, which has expertise in medicinal synthetic and radiopharmaceutical chemistry, biology, pharmacology and imaging.

The Institute’s research programs involve the discovery, development and evaluation of novel radiopharmaceuticals, radiolabelling and imaging processes. Institute researchers are highly experienced in labelling biologically significant molecules with radioactive isotopes to create radiopharmaceuticals. These radiopharmaceuticals can be used to better understand and treat human diseases such as cancer, degeneration of the brain and central nervous system, inflammation, heart disease and diabetes.

A key research focus of the Institute is the design, synthesis, radiolabelling and biological evaluation of a class of radiopharmaceuticals known as radiotracers, which are useful for the imaging of disease processes. The group develops automated production processes and molecular imaging techniques for novel radiotracers, as well as methods for the efficient preparation of radioisotopes for research and clinical applications.

The Institute’s involvement in CRC BID helps to ensure that the CRC's research outcomes are used to benefit the patients in Australia and overseas that depend on nuclear medicine. The CRC combines ANSTO’s radiopharmaceutical research know-how with the clinical capabilities and commercialisation expertise of other key CRC participants.

For more information, visit the ANSTO website.

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