Functional imaging measurements

Despite addressing different cellular functions, imaging the potassium space by or by cellular metabolic trapping of FDG, the size and severity of the defects obtained with both radionuclides by PET are virtually identical [66, 67], indicating equivalent preservation of these two measures of viability. 

The last two decades have seen the introduction of several distinct functional imaging techniques that can be used to investigate centrally active compounds working in the brain in vivo. These techniques provide windows through which to observe phenomena in the intact and fully functional central nervous system. When applied to studies with human volunteers or patients one can obtain information that cannot be extrapolated from animal models, and from areas such as the brain and neurotransmitter systems that would otherwise be inaccessible in vivo. When combined with peripheral measurements and objective and subjective assessments of behavior, these methods can be used to explore how psychopharmaceuticals influence central nervous svtem activity and behavior. Moreover, compounds with a known mechanism of action can be employed as tools to understand how different elements of the central nervous system work. 

Identify the patient at risk for CIN—For patients likely to have reduced kidney function a measurement of the SCr level and estimation of the glomerular filtration rate can be recommended, If the glomerular filtration rate is less than 50 mL/min/l, 73 m2, particularly in combination with other risk factors, consideration should be given to alternative imaging approaches. 

In vivo 19F MR spectroscopy has been shown to be a highly specific, noninvasive tool for identifying and monitoring fluorinated compounds and metabolites. This technology is complementary to other structural and functional imaging tools, and often a combination of approaches is required to address specific questions. Although almost all 19F MR examinations are limited by the relatively low SNR of the spectra, fluorine MR spectroscopy has a unique role in clinical research applications and can provide a direct measurement of drug uptake in tissue. 

The activities in the projects have become increasingly creative and a specialized discipline of Early Phase Development was created here and there. With the challenging goal to become faster and to better predict the chance of success Proof of Concept studies meant to measure surrogate markers, biomarkers, results from functional imaging, creative early clinical readouts and endpoints have been... 

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