Mefway

Mefway is a radioligand used in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. It is a fluorine-18 labeled compound that binds to the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor. Mefway was developed as an improvement over the earlier radioligand FCWAY, with a simpler synthesis and better brain penetration.

History

Mefway was first synthesized in 2008 by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The goal was to develop a radioligand that could be used in PET imaging to study the serotonin system in the human brain. The researchers were particularly interested in the 5-HT1A receptor, which is implicated in a number of psychiatric and neurological disorders.

Synthesis

The synthesis of Mefway involves the reaction of desmethyl-WAY-100635 with 18F-fluoromethyl tosylate. The resulting compound is then purified and formulated for injection. The entire process takes about 90 minutes, making it feasible for use in clinical PET imaging.

Use in PET imaging

Mefway has been used in PET imaging studies to investigate the role of the 5-HT1A receptor in various conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, and Parkinson's disease. It has also been used in research studies to understand the effects of various drugs on the serotonin system.

Advantages over FCWAY

Mefway has several advantages over the earlier radioligand FCWAY. The synthesis of Mefway is simpler and faster, which makes it more practical for use in clinical studies. Mefway also has better brain penetration, which results in higher quality images. Furthermore, Mefway does not require the use of a blocking agent to prevent binding to peripheral 5-HT1A receptors, as is the case with FCWAY.

See also

• Positron emission tomography
• Radioligand
• Serotonin
• 5-HT1A receptor

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