For those who need preclinical imaging, it is possible to make use of both the MR Solutions PET-CT, MI Labs PET/SPECT/CT, 3D optical imaging technology, a cell lab for handling radiopharmaceutical development research, and MRI. The Norwegian Medical Cyclotron Centre’s (NMS) research and development department has established its preclinical research unit, called the Oslo Imaging and Therapy Laboratory (OITL), at the animal facility at Domus Medica, and the two parties work closely together.
“We cover the entire preclinical chain, and work both in vivo and in vitro, and with radiochemistry. We produce radioactive nuclides that are used for labelling molecules. The radioactive compounds are used for research in molecular imaging with PET and SPECT scanning, and for therapy. We also carry out biodistribution studies and metabolite analysis in vivo and ex vivo,” says Syed Nuruddin, who works in preclinical research at NMS. He is also an associate professor-II at the University of Oslo’s Department of Pharmacy.
Owned by the University of Oslo and hospitals
A wide variety of research is conducted using their equipment. Ranging from clinical researchers developing medicines to cancer researchers, neurologists and cardiologists. Just outside the walls of KPM-UiO, the Cyclotron Centre has radiopharmaceutical chemistry laboratories with radiation protection classes A and B.
“Some people think we are owned and operated by the pharmaceutical industry, and that it is expensive to use our services. That is not correct; we are owned by the University of Oslo, Oslo University Hospital and Akershus University Hospital. We have a different pricing and collaboration model for academic research programmes compared with prices for industrial research,” Nuruddin emphasises.
OITL has six employees at Domus Medica who assist researchers, and all of them hold PhDs in different fields.
“A researcher who recently visited us used to contact labs abroad, some years ago, when he was going to carry out his research. Now he saw all the advanced equipment he could access here and changed his mind,” says Nuruddin.
Collaboration improves quality and coordination
Nuruddin says they have a good, ongoing dialogue with the animal facility when new clients or projects are on the way.
“This helps ensure that the FOTS applications to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority are approved more easily. In addition, it contributes to the quality, coordination and animal welfare in the projects. With in vivo imaging technology, fewer animals are also used in the research,” he stresses.
OITL has a well working contact with industry, which Nuruddin believes is a strength. One example he points to is that industry needs preclinical research, but lacks specialist laboratories and researchers.
He also makes a point regarding the new Life Science Building.
“They do not have in vivo molecular imaging technology there. We hope that those who have research ideas will contact KPM-UiO and us,” says Nuruddin.