Automated Synthesis of [Ga-68]Ga-FAPI-46 on a Scintomics GRP Synthesizer

[Ga-68]Ga-FAPI-46 is a radiolabelled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor that selectively binds to fibroblast activation protein (FAP), which is overexpressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumour microenvironment. In recent years, radiolabelled FAP inhibitors (FAPIs) are becoming increasingly important in cancer diagnostics and also for targeted radionuclide therapy. Because of the increasing demand for radiolabelled FAPIs, automating the synthesis of these compounds is of great interest. In this work, we present a newly programmed automatic synthesis process of [Ga-68]Ga-FAPI-46 on a Scintomics GRP module using two Galli Ad generators as a radionuclide source. Dedicated cassettes for the labelling of Ga-68-peptides were used without any modifications. The generators were connected via a three-way valve to the module and eluted automatically over a strong cation exchange (SCX) cartridge by using the vacuum pump of the synthesis module, eliminating the need to transfer the eluates into a separate vial. After a reaction step in HEPES buffer, the compound was purified by solid-phase extraction (SPE) over a Sep-Pak Light C18 cartridge. The evaluation of 10 routine syntheses of [Ga-68]Ga-FAPI-46 resulted in a radiochemical yield of 72.6 +/- 4.9%. The radiochemical purity was 97.6 +/- 0.3%, and the amount of free gallium-68 and colloid was <2%. The final product fulfilled the quality criteria, which were adapted from relevant monographs of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.). This work presents the successful preparation of multiple doses of [Ga-68]Ga-FAPI-46 in a GMP-compliant automated process for clinical use.

Automated summary

A newly programmed automatic synthesis process of [Ga-68]Ga-FAPI-46 was successfully developed, using two Galli Ad generators as a radionuclide source and a Scintomics GRP module for automation. The compound was purified by solid-phase extraction and strong cation exchange, resulting in a high radiochemical yield and purity. The final product met the quality criteria set by the European Pharmacopoeia.