Shimadzu HPLCs used for finding new cancer treatment

Researchers at the University of Manchester, Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre, UK, are using Shimadzu instruments to obtain proof of concept measurements for the mode of action and efficacy of new drugs to treat cancer and brain disorders.

They are using four LC10 Vp series and four Prominence high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems, complementing positron emission tomography (PET) technology in their work on drug metabolite analysis.

"We are labelling novel drug candidate molecules with positron-emitting radioisotopes to inject into human volunteers and track using PET scanners," explained Dr Adam McMahon, Team Leader in Radio Analytical and Synthetic Radiochemistry. "Before injection of the drug we use an LC10 Vp series to perform rapid and reliable checks for both chemical and radiant purity of the labelled molecules and, following injection, the patient's blood samples are analysed by the other HPLC systems to study metabolites carrying the radiotracer. Two of the Prominence systems are reserved for method development and for LC/MS studies."

"Using these instruments, we can see if a molecule might be a potentially successful drug at these early stages of drug development, before committing to further investment in major clinical trials." Dr McMahon concluded: "The Shimadzu HPLC systems have great robustness and reliability, which is important because it is critical to have reproducible results."