Hansraj College and the University of Chicago explore a research collaboration in radiopharmaceutical chemistry, focusing on next-generation PET tracers, molecular imaging and cancer research.

Hansraj College of the University of Delhi, is exploring a research collaboration with the University of Chicago in the emerging field of radiopharmaceutical chemistry, with a focus on developing next-generation PET tracers for molecular imaging and biomedical research.

The proposed collaboration brings together the Department of Chemistry and the H.G. Khorana Centre for Chemical Biology at Hansraj College, led by Prof. Brijesh Rathi, and researchers associated with radiopharmaceutical research at the University of Chicago. Prof. Satish Chitneni, research faculty and Faculty Director of the Cyclotron Facility at the University of Chicago, visited Hansraj College to discuss potential areas of joint research.

The proposed work will focus on developing PET tracers capable of mapping biochemical pathways in the body. Such tracers have applications in molecular imaging and can contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, including cancer. Radiopharmaceutical chemistry combines chemistry with nuclear medicine, pharmacology, biochemistry, medical physics and other disciplines to develop molecules that can be linked with radioactive isotopes and used as drug-like agents for diagnosis and therapy.

During his visit, Chitneni interacted with students and faculty and attended student research presentations. He highlighted the importance of innovative chemistry in radiopharmaceutical development, noting that the field often requires radioactive isotopes to be introduced into molecules rapidly because of their short half-lives.

Chitneni described radiopharmaceutical development as an emerging area within therapeutics and pharmaceuticals, with pharmaceutical companies increasingly investing in radiopharmaceuticals, particularly for cancer treatment. He also emphasised the close relationship between diagnostic imaging and therapeutic applications, as imaging can help identify patients who may benefit from targeted radiopharmaceutical treatments.

Encouraging students to consider the field as a potential research and career pathway, Chitneni described it as inherently multidisciplinary, bringing together chemists, pharmacists, pharmacologists, biochemists, medical physicists and nuclear medicine physicians.

The collaboration was facilitated by Prof. Anil Kumar Mishra of IIT Roorkee, whose efforts helped connect the two research teams. Chitneni expressed his appreciation for the research underway at Hansraj College and indicated his interest in continuing the affiliation and returning to the institution.

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Image credits: The Indian Express

Bishakha Gogoi
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