RaciN

The translational Radiochemistry and Nuclear Imaging platform (RaciN) is a technical facility dedicated to radiopharmaceutical sciences. Radiopharmaceuticals are molecules of various sizes that carry a radioactive atom, whose signal can be used either to visualize biological processes through imaging or to destroy target cells (as in the case of cancer treatment).

Within the platform, a unique expertise combining technology, innovation, research, and training is made available to both academic and industrial partners. The radiopharmaceutical field is promoted in its entirety through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates research, innovation, and education/training.

A specific feature of this platform is the facilitated translation of promising radiopharmaceuticals into clinical trials at Bordeaux University Hospital (CHU de Bordeaux), as well as streamlined access to patient tissue samples housed in the hospital’s biological resource center (CRB).

More specifically, the platform’s expertise includes:

  • Development of radiolabeling protocols and quality control of biomolecules of interest using radioisotopes for imaging and/or therapy
  • Investigation of molecular targets on samples (human/patient and rodent) through micro-tissue imaging on sample cohorts (both prospective and retrospective). When human/patient samples from CHU de Bordeaux are used, it is possible to link them with the hospital’s clinical data
  • In vitro characterization (affinity, selectivity, internalization, stability, efflux, partition coefficient, etc.) of radiopharmaceuticals on monolayer cells and spheroids
  • In vitro and in vivo studies of therapeutic efficacy (cytotoxicity, viability, apoptosis induction, survival) of radiopharmaceuticals
  • In vivo studies using single-photon imaging (SPECT/CT) and post-mortem biodistribution
  • Visual and quantitative image analysis (post-processing of nuclear signals, measurement of metabolic uptake in organs through regional analysis, generation of time-activity curves, and pharmacokinetic modeling for dynamic acquisitions)
  • Initial and continuing education (Master’s level, PhD, post-docs, and clinical-academic medical profiles) to develop skills and knowledge related to radiopharmaceuticals
  • Facilitating access to clinical trials at CHU de Bordeaux

Projects can be carried out through collaborative agreements or as service-based work.

Scientific Director: Clément Morgat
Operational Directors: Clément Morgat, Frédéric Lamare, Lina Ali