Researchers developed a PET tracer that targets abnormal TDP-43 in animal models
Original source
Development and characterization of a novel TDP-43 positron emission tomography tracer: [18F]JNJ-TDP43-1. (opens in a new tab)Compass summarised this from the study's abstract.
Study details
- Studied in
- Human, Mouse, Animal
Related topics
Researchers developed a radioactive positron emission tomography (PET) tracer called [18F]JNJ-TDP43-1 to detect abnormal TDP-43 protein aggregates. The tracer showed selective binding and target engagement in laboratory tests, rodents and nonhuman primates, including a disease mouse model.
Why this matters
A TDP-43 PET tracer could eventually help study TDP-43-related diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and assess treatments. This early work was conducted in animals and does not yet change diagnosis or treatment for people with ALS.
Limitations and context
The study reports laboratory and animal results, not testing in people. It remains necessary to establish whether the tracer is safe, reaches its target reliably and provides useful clinical information in humans. The source is a primary research article, not evidence of clinical benefit.