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news.To conduct preclinical safety studies used for brain imaging and clinical applications
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SRI International has acquired a $6.3m contract by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to conduct preclinical safety studies of ligands that will be used for brain imaging research and clinical applications.
The company said that ligands are types of molecules that can be used to perform brain imaging through positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The company claims that the preclinical studies will help determine the safety, optimal dosage and form for delivery of imaging agents and medications for the treatment of mental disorders.
According to the company, Toxicology and safety data generated from the program may be used to support investigational new drug (IND) applications to the FDA.
SRI has extensive experience working with the NIMH in the preclinical development of neuroimaging agents and potential drugs for mental disorders, and has held the contract for this evaluation program since its inception in 2002.
Hanna Ng, director of preclinical safety at SRI International, and principal investigator for the program, said: “SRI is pleased to be awarded this important contract to conduct the preclinical safety studies needed to understand whether a compound can eventually be administered to people.
“Our multidisciplinary team has experience in safety evaluation and regulatory compliance needed to effectively support the NIMH’s preclinical development program for central nervous system imaging agents and therapeutics for various mental disorders.”