The Nordal Cyclotron & PET Radiochemistry Facility is used to produce positron-emitting radiopharmaceuticals (PERs). PERs are injected into patients undergoing a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. The half-life of the radioactive isotopes in PERs is short, which necessitates generating them with a cyclotron that is in close proximity to the clinic where they are used.
About
Lawson Health Research Institute’s (Lawson) Nordal Cyclotron & PET Radiochemistry facility produces short-lived PERs for the St. Joseph’s Health Care London PET scanners, and will eventually be the centre of a regional distribution network for PERs.
In combination with PET/CT, PET/MRI and preclinical PET imaging scanners, the facility is available to support a wide variety of city-wide research projects including PET imaging applied to oncology, cardiology, neurology, psychology, bioelectromagnetics and other areas.
Equipment Capabilities
- GE PETtrace 880 cyclotron
- Comecer hotcells (7) with 11 chambers
- GE Fastlab synthesizer (2)
- GE Tracer labs (3)
- TRIUMF high power solid target station
- Ga-68 Generator and Modular Lab system
- Class 10,000 clean room
- QC lab with GMP testing equipment
- Production lab
- Research labs (2)
- Space for expansion
Currently Seeking
- Contract Research
- Long Term Partnership with Industry
- Clinical Trials
- Radiopharmaceutical Production
Future Directions
- Develop new probes for PET or SPECT imaging of biomarkers, focusing on cancer, diabetes, heart disease and mental illnesses.
- Synthesize Positron Emitting Radiopharmaceuticals (PERs), optimize their chemistry, and prepare them to GMP specifications for use in humans.
- Validate probes via in vitro experiments and Lawson’s small animal microPET and microSPECT scanners.
- Verify with large animal imaging on a clinical PET/CT, SPECT/CT or PET/MRI scanner.
- Conduct clinical trials to help translate into clinical practice.
Partners
- St. Joseph’s Health Care London
- Western University
- Canada Foundation of Innovation
- Ontario Research Fund
Cyclotron & PET Radiochemistry Facility Public Disclosure
The Lawson Cyclotron & PET Radiochemistry Facility operates under an operating license issued by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Ongoing communication with our community is a key part of our operation. The facility uses a public disclosure protocol to relate information to the public on the issues relevant to licensed activities in the facility, including health and safety, security, and operational updates.
Contact
Dr. Michael Kovacs
Director, Nordal Cyclotron & PET Radiochemistry Facility
Phone: 519-646-6100 ext. 61096
Email: Contact form
Fax: 519-646-6012
