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

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 [C-11]MK-8193 is described. In vitro binding studies with [H-3]MK-8193 were conducted in rat, monkey, and human brain tissue. PET studies with [C-11]MK-8193 were conducted in rats and rhesus monkeys at baseline and following administration of a PDE10A inhibitor. [H-3]MK-8193 is a high-affinity, selective PDE10A radioligand in rat, monkey, and human brain tissue. In vivo, [C-11]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. [C-11]MK-8193 is a useful PET tracer for the preclinical characterization of PDE10A therapeutic candidates in rat and monkey. Further evaluation of [C-11]MK-8193 in humans is warranted.