Showing papers by "Jeffrey L. Evelhoch published in 2016"

Preclinical Characterization of 18F-MK-6240, a Promising PET Tracer for In Vivo Quantification of Human Neurofibrillary Tangles.

Abstract: A PET tracer is desired to help guide the discovery and development of disease-modifying therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases characterized by neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), the predominant tau pathology in Alzheimer disease (AD). We describe the preclinical characterization of the NFT PET tracer 18F-MK-6240. Methods: In vitro binding studies were conducted with 3H-MK-6240 in tissue slices and homogenates from cognitively normal and AD human brain donors to evaluate tracer affinity and selectivity for NFTs. Immunohistochemistry for phosphorylated tau was performed on human brain slices for comparison with 3H-MK-6240 binding patterns on adjacent brain slices. PET studies were performed with 18F-MK-6240 in monkeys to evaluate tracer kinetics and distribution in the brain. 18F-MK-6240 monkey PET studies were conducted after dosing with unlabeled MK-6240 to evaluate tracer binding selectivity in vivo. Results: The 3H-MK-6240 binding pattern was consistent with the distribution of phosphorylated tau in human AD brain slices. 3H-MK-6240 bound with high affinity to human AD brain cortex homogenates containing abundant NFTs but bound poorly to amyloid plaque–rich, NFT-poor AD brain homogenates. 3H-MK-6240 showed no displaceable binding in the subcortical regions of human AD brain slices and in the hippocampus/entorhinal cortex of non-AD human brain homogenates. In monkey PET studies, 18F-MK-6240 displayed rapid and homogeneous distribution in the brain. The 18F-MK-6240 volume of distribution stabilized rapidly, indicating favorable tracer kinetics. No displaceable binding was observed in self-block studies in rhesus monkeys, which do not natively express NFTs. Moderate defluorination was observed as skull uptake. Conclusion:18F-MK-6240 is a promising PET tracer for the in vivo quantification of NFTs in AD patients.

Discovery of 6-(Fluoro-18F)-3-(1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-1-yl)isoquinolin-5-amine ([18F]-MK-6240): A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging Agent for Quantification of Neurofibrillary Tangles (NFTs)

Abstract: Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) made up of aggregated tau protein have been identified as the pathologic hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease. In vivo detection of NFTs using PET imaging represents a unique opportunity to develop a pharmacodynamic tool to accelerate the discovery of new disease modifying therapeutics targeting tau pathology. Herein, we present the discovery of 6-(fluoro-18F)-3-(1H-pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridin-1-yl)isoquinolin-5-amine, 6 ([18F]-MK-6240), as a novel PET tracer for detecting NFTs. 6 exhibits high specificity and selectivity for binding to NFTs, with suitable physicochemical properties and in vivo pharmacokinetics.

In Vivo Imaging in Pharmaceutical Development and Its Impact on the 3Rs.

Abstract: It is well understood that the biopharmaceutical industry must improve efficiency along the path from laboratory concept to commercial product. In vivo imaging is recognized as a useful method to provide biomarkers for target engagement, treatment response, safety, and mechanism of action. Imaging biomarkers have the potential to inform the selection of drugs that are more likely to be safe and effective. Most of the imaging modalities for biopharmaceutical research are translatable to the clinic. In vivo imaging does not require removal of tissue to provide biomarkers, thus reducing the number of valuable preclinical subjects required for a study. Longitudinal imaging allows for quantitative intra-subject comparisons, enhancing statistical power, and further reducing the number of subjects needed for the evaluation of treatment effects in animal models. The noninvasive nature of in vivo imaging also provides a valuable approach to alleviate or minimize potential pain, suffering or distress.

Preclinical Characterization of the Phosphodiesterase 10A PET Tracer [(11)C]MK-8193.

Abstract: A positron emission tomography (PET) tracer for the enzyme phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) is desirable to guide the discovery and development of PDE10A inhibitors as potential therapeutics. The preclinical characterization of the PDE10A PET tracer [11C]MK-8193 is described. In vitro binding studies with [3H]MK-8193 were conducted in rat, monkey, and human brain tissue. PET studies with [11C]MK-8193 were conducted in rats and rhesus monkeys at baseline and following administration of a PDE10A inhibitor. [3H]MK-8193 is a high-affinity, selective PDE10A radioligand in rat, monkey, and human brain tissue. In vivo, [11C]MK-8193 displays rapid kinetics, low test-retest variability, and a large specific signal that is displaced by a structurally diverse PDE10A inhibitor, enabling the determination of pharmacokinetic/enzyme occupancy relationships. [11C]MK-8193 is a useful PET tracer for the preclinical characterization of PDE10A therapeutic candidates in rat and monkey. Further evaluation of [11C]MK-8193 in humans is warranted.

Distinct BOLD fMRI Responses of Capsaicin-Induced Thermal Sensation Reveal Pain-Related Brain Activation in Nonhuman Primates.

Abstract: Background Approximately 20% of the adult population suffer from chronic pain that is not adequately treated by current therapies, highlighting a great need for improved treatment options. To develop effective analgesics, experimental human and animal models of pain are critical. Topically/intra-dermally applied capsaicin induces hyperalgesia and allodynia to thermal and tactile stimuli that mimics chronic pain and is a useful translation from preclinical research to clinical investigation. Many behavioral and self-report studies of pain have exploited the use of the capsaicin pain model, but objective biomarker correlates of the capsaicin augmented nociceptive response in nonhuman primates remains to be explored. Methodology Here we establish an aversive capsaicin-induced fMRI model using non-noxious heat stimuli in Cynomolgus monkeys (n = 8). BOLD fMRI data were collected during thermal challenge (ON:20 s/42°C; OFF:40 s/35°C, 4-cycle) at baseline and 30 min post-capsaicin (0.1 mg, topical, forearm) application. Tail withdrawal behavioral studies were also conducted in the same animals using 42°C or 48°C water bath pre- and post- capsaicin application (0.1 mg, subcutaneous, tail). Principal Findings Group comparisons between pre- and post-capsaicin application revealed significant BOLD signal increases in brain regions associated with the ‘pain matrix’, including somatosensory, frontal, and cingulate cortices, as well as the cerebellum (paired t-test, p<0.02, n = 8), while no significant change was found after the vehicle application. The tail withdrawal behavioral study demonstrated a significant main effect of temperature and a trend towards capsaicin induced reduction of latency at both temperatures. Conclusions These findings provide insights into the specific brain regions involved with aversive, ‘pain-like’, responses in a nonhuman primate model. Future studies may employ both behavioral and fMRI measures as translational biomarkers to gain deeper understanding of pain processing and evaluate the preclinical efficacy of novel analgesics.

Discovery and first-in-human evaluation of the tau-imaging pet radiotracer [18f]mk-6240

Abstract: Parametric [C]PBB3, and [C]PiB PET images were generated by calculation of target-to-cerebellar cortex standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) at 30-50 min, and 50-70 min after radiotracer injection, respectively. [C]PiB retention was assessed by visual inspection of SUVR images. A two sample t-test was also performed on [C]PBB3 PET SUVR images between each patient and 13 HCs using SPM12. Neuropathological and autoradiographic examinations were performed in postmortem brain sections of other patients with three MAPT mutations. Results: All subjects were negative for amyloid PET. Five subjects with MAPT gene mutations exhibited increased [C]PBB3 binding in the brain compared with HCs. In the N279K mutation carriers, increased [C]PBB3 bindings were detected at an asymptomatic stage, and were spatially extended involving white matter with the progression of clinical manifestations. In contrast, patients with R406W and G272V mutations showed increased [C]PBB3 binding mostly restricted to gray matter in the brain. Autoradiographic signals and fluorescence labeling of brain sections revealed that PBB3 binds to various tau inclusions in the brain with these three mutations. Conclusions: [C]PBB3 PET can detect diverse tau inclusions, and may be useful for monitoring disease progression and therapeutic effect of anti-tau therapy in patients with MATP mutations, and other tauopathies.