The collaborative training and research program of ISOTOPICS is outlined in six work packages (WP). During the last 2 years of the project, the implementation of each WP was achieved as follows:
WP1: COORDINATION AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Three ISOTOPICS meetings, attended by Principal Investigators (PIs), ESRs and the Advisory Board Members, were organized during the second reporting period. These meetings gave the opportunity to the ESRs to present their research results and communication actions to all the PIs and to discuss about the implementation of the ISOTOPICS project. The progresses of the PhD projects and the different dissemination and communication actions realised by the ESRs confirmed the fruitful research work of the consortium. This was also the opportunity to attend plenary lectures given by prominent external scientists.
WP2: INNOVATIVE ISOTOPIC LABELING CHEMISTRY
Hydrogen Isotope Exchange methodology was developed through a collaboration between 3 beneficiaries (CEA, CNRS SAN) using various catalyst (nanoparticles, soluble metal complexes). Nine papers were published during RP2 demonstrating the great potential for this method for the deuteration and tritiation of drugs and drugable compounds. Three papers related to catalysts and its applications in isotopic labelling were published too. Several methodologies were developed for the implementation of late stage labeling of compounds using carbon isotopes. Nine papers were published in total, all related to studies concerning late stage carbon isotope labeling, a simplified method for 11C labeling using flow chemistry, late stage carbon isotope exchange using labelled CO2, visible light methods and new trends applications. Regarding 18F labeling, new efficient methodologies were developed in particular for the stereocontrolled introduction of fluorine and di and trifluoromethylation of unactivated carbon centers. In total eight papers were published, demonstrating the great value and efficiency of the various collaboration (ULG/UCB/ UOXF).
WP3: APPLICATION FOR THE ISOTOPIC LABELING OF DRUGS AND BIOLOGICS
Innovative methods for the isotopic labeling of drugs were applied on model drugs or drugable compounds for hydrogen isotopes exchange and carbon isotopes exchange. The 18F labeling methodologies, developed by ULG and UCB, are being applied to the synthesis of a potential PET tracer. CEAk and AZ have developed an 18F labeling methodology of a potential radiotracer for non-small cell lung carcinoma. In vivo testing of labelled molecules are underway.
WP4: TRAINING
During RP2, 2 trainings have been organised for our ESRs. During the 4th session, the ESRs acquired basic knowledge in non-isotopic labeling and imaging. They also participated in several workshops about radiochemistry automation, cyclotron targetery, clinical PET imaging or management principles and career. The 5th session included general courses about labeling chemistry, cancer imaging and clinical trials but also proposal writing and scientific project set-up and management workshops. The ESRs have also visited laboratories in beneficiary premises and enjoyed nice social events with the organizing teams. Many ESRs have done secondments as scheduled in Partners’ institutions in order to get an experience in a distinct sector.
WP5: DISSEMINATION AND COMMUNICATION
The ISOTOPICS website was regularly updated to inform about the goals, the ESRs profiles, the events and achievements of the project. The 2nd and 3rd ISOTOPICS Newsletter edited in 2018 and 2019, are available from the website. The last one will be published in February 2020. The ISOTOPICS ESRs attended over 60 scientific national and international symposia and workshops to present their research results through posters (27) or oral communications (33). PIs and ESRS participated to open science events. The Coordinator published an article in an Open Access governmental journal and presented a poster about the project in an International symposium in June 2018.
