Quantum BioPharma reports early PET tracer signal in MS study
The ongoing MGH study is evaluating [18F]3F4AP PET imaging for demyelinated neurons with intact axons in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Quantum BioPharma has reported preliminary imaging results from its collaborative multiple sclerosis study with Massachusetts General Hospital. Patient enrollment has reached the halfway mark, according to the company.
MGH investigators are evaluating [18F]3F4AP, a PET tracer developed by Pedro Brugarolas in the hospital’s Department of Radiology. Quantum said the tracer is being studied for direct assessment of demyelinated neurons with intact axons.
Initial participants have been imaged with advanced PET/MR and total-body PET platforms. Preliminary analyses showed signal in acute MS lesions and potential sensitivity to gray matter lesions, the company said.
Prior preclinical and clinical studies found [18F]3F4AP showed sensitivity for demyelinated lesions and favorable pharmacokinetics, according to Quantum.
If validated, the imaging approach could help measure how MS therapies affect myelin preservation and regeneration, the company said. Quantum is developing Lucid-MS, also known as Lucid-21-302, as an investigational treatment designed to inhibit demyelination.
Lucid-MS targets protein arginine deiminase 2, an enzyme implicated in myelin degradation. Quantum said the drug candidate has shown the ability to prevent and reverse myelin breakdown in preclinical models.
A phase 2 investigational new drug submission for Lucid-MS was filed with the U.S. FDA in March 2026, according to the company.
Company:Quantum
About the author
RadiologySignal.com writersEditorial Team
Radiology Signal Staff covers developments across medical imaging, radiology AI, imaging informatics, clinical research, and radiology business. The team monitors primary sources, peer-reviewed studies, company announcements, society updates, and healthcare industry news to deliver concise reporting for imaging professionals.
More from this section
Pediatric ED imaging gaps persist by race and insurance status
A cohort study of 857,034 pediatric ED visits found that stronger hospital pediatric capability was not associated with narrower imaging-use differences by race, ethnicity, or insurance status.
Study finds wide variation in chest X-ray AI performance
A head-to-head study of 7 commercial AI devices found sensitivity ranged from 20.8% to 77.8% for lung cancer detection on chest X-rays.
MRI radiomics model predicts colorectal cancer subtype
The multicenter study found an MRI-based machine-learning radiomics score predicted CMS4 colorectal cancer and stratified recurrent metastasis risk.
Contrast tied to higher AKI risk in neonatal ICU study
The retrospective study found higher acute kidney injury rates in neonates exposed to iodinated contrast media, although most cases were stage 1.
Cochrane updates prostate cancer screening review
The updated review found PSA screening likely reduces prostate cancer deaths, but evidence remains unclear for newer screening strategies combining PSA, kallikrein testing, and MRI.
Stage 4 breast cancer diagnoses rise over decade
A cohort study of 761,471 people found de novo stage 4 breast cancer incidence increased by 1.2% per year from 2010 to 2021.
SIR backs genicular artery embolization for knee osteoarthritis
The Society of Interventional Radiology issued a position statement supporting genicular artery embolization for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.
Fluoride, lead co-exposure linked to lower youth BMD
Researchers analyzed NHANES data from 2,378 U.S. children and adolescents who underwent DEXA scans from 2013 to 2016.
Stanford receives $3.9M ARPA-H grant for MR lymphangiography
Stanford Medicine received up to $3.9M from ARPA-H to advance MR lymphangiography. Andreas Loening, MD, PhD, will lead work on faster scans, lymphatic-specific contrast agents, and contrast-free flow assessment.
Bayer PET tracer meets cardiac amyloidosis endpoints
Bayer reported positive topline phase 3 REVEAL results for I-124 evuzamitide, an investigational PET/CT radiotracer for suspected cardiac amyloidosis. The study met its sensitivity and specificity endpoints.
MRx maps brain biomarkers in noncontrast MRI scan
University of Illinois researchers developed multiplexed MRI to map more than 20 brain biomarkers in a single scan using standard clinical MRI systems.
PSMA PET linked to more intensive prostate cancer treatment
A national claims analysis found that PSMA PET use was associated with higher initiation of androgen receptor pathway inhibitors and systemic therapy in newly diagnosed advanced prostate cancer.