Published in:
Open Access 18-12-2023 | Positron Emission Tomography | Research Article
Evaluation and Application of a PET Tracer in Preclinical and Phase 1 Studies to Determine the Brain Biodistribution of Minzasolmin (UCB0599)
Published in: Molecular Imaging and Biology | Issue 2/2024
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Purpose
Minzasolmin (UCB0599) is an orally administered, small molecule inhibitor of ASYN misfolding in development as a potential disease-modifying therapy for Parkinson’s disease. Here we describe the preclinical development of a radiolabeled tracer and results from a phase 1 study using the tracer to investigate the brain distribution of minzasolmin.
Procedures
In the preclinical study, two radiolabeling positions were investigated on the S-enantiomer of minzasolmin (UCB2713): [11C]methylamine UCB2713 ([11C-N-CH3]UCB2713) and [11C]carbonyl UCB2713 ([11C-CO]UCB2713). Male C57 black 6 mice (N = 10) received intravenous [11C-N-CH3]UCB2713; brain homogenates were assessed for radioactivity and plasma samples analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) was used to image brains in a subset of mice (n = 3). In the open-label, phase 1 study, healthy volunteers were scanned twice with PET-CT following injection with [11C]minzasolmin radiotracer (≤ 10 µg), first without, then with oral dosing with non-radiolabeled minzasolmin 360 mg. Primary objective: to determine biodistribution of minzasolmin in the human brain; secondary objectives included minzasolmin safety/tolerability.
Results
Preclinical data supported the use of [11C]minzasolmin in clinical studies. In the phase 1 study, PET data showed substantial drug signal in the brain of healthy volunteers (N = 4). The mean estimated whole brain total distribution volume (VT) at equilibrium across all regions of interest was 0.512 mL/cm3, no difference in VT was observed following administration of minzasolmin 360 mg. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported by 75% (n = 3) of participants. No drug-related TEAEs, deaths, serious adverse events, or discontinuations were reported.
Conclusion
Following positive preclinical results with the N-methyl labeled PET tracer, [11C]minzasolmin was used in the phase 1 study, which demonstrated that minzasolmin readily crossed the blood–brain barrier and was well distributed throughout the brain. Safety and pharmacokinetic findings were consistent with previous early-phase studies (such as UP0077, NCT04875962).