One of our primary areas of research is the translational investigations of S1P1 expression for inflammatory response. We successfully carried out the first-in-human whole body dosimetry studies of the ¹¹C-labelled CS1P1 tracer developed by our group, as well as subsequent proof-of-mechanism studies in patients with MS. We are now exploring ¹⁸F-labeled analogs.

The chemists are experienced in medicinal chemistry synthesis, carbon-11 and fluorine-18 radiolabeling, and HPLC methodology, as well as custom synthesis of ³²P-and ¹²⁵I-ligands for screening assays. Receptor-binding assays are carried out to determine the specificity and selectivity of candidate ligands.