178. Novel radiopharmaceuticals: from radionuclide production to clinical translation

Abstract:

The Novel Radiopharmaceuticals research group at the NOMATEN Centre of Excellence, National Centre for Nuclear Research in Otwock-Świerk, is dedicated to advancing targeted and personalized medicine through the design and synthesis of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic molecular radiopharmaceuticals. The development of novel radiopharmaceuticals requires a highly integrated, multidisciplinary approach encompassing radionuclide production, radiochemistry, and biological evaluation to enable successful clinical translation.

This seminar will present a step-by-step overview of the radiopharmaceutical development process, from the initial concept through the production of both established and emerging medical radionuclides using nuclear reactors and cyclotrons, as well as modern radiochemical separation strategies. Particular emphasis will be placed on the design and radiolabeling of biomolecules and nanomaterials for targeted diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Preclinical evaluation workflows, including in vitro and in vivo studies, will be discussed as essential components for assessing safety, efficacy, and theranostic potential. Finally, key challenges and opportunities associated with translating novel radiopharmaceuticals from the laboratory to clinical practice will be highlighted.

About the author:

GROUP LEADER: Marek Pruszyński, PhD, DSc

Dr. Marek Pruszyński received his Master’s degree in Chemistry from the Faculty of Biology and Chemistry at the University of Białystok. He obtained his PhD in Chemistry in 2008 from the Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology (IChTJ) in Warsaw, where he subsequently earned his habilitation (DSc) in Chemistry in 2019. Since May 2021, Dr. Pruszyński has held the position of Associate Professor at the National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ) and serves as the Head of the Novel Radiopharmaceuticals Group at the NOMATEN Centre of Excellence within NCBJ.

Throughout his career, Dr. Pruszyński has acted as Principal Investigator for numerous research projects funded by leading Polish funding agencies, including the National Science Centre, the National Centre for Research and Development, and the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange. He has also been a recipient of prestigious international scholarships awarded by the Polish-U.S. Fulbright Commission (2006) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (2007).

Dr. Pruszyński’s research focuses on the design and synthesis of molecular radiopharmaceuticals and their preclinical evaluation for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. His work contributes to a deeper understanding of how radiolabeling strategies, particularly those involving chelators and prosthetic groups, affect the biological properties and targeting performance of radiopharmaceutical vectors.