Kuldeep Gupta

The limited availability of molecularly targeted low‐molecular‐weight imaging agents for monitoring multiple myeloma (MM)‐targeted therapies has been a significant challenge in the field. In response, a first‐in‐class peptide‐based radiotracer, [ 68 Ga]Ga‐AJ206, is developed that can be seamlessly integrated into the standard clinical workflow and is specifically designed to noninvasively quantify CD38 levels and pharmacodynamics by positron emission tomography (PET). A bicyclic peptide, AJ206, is synthesized and exhibits high affinity to CD38 ( K D : 19.1 ± 0.99 × 10 −9 m ) by surface plasmon resonance. Further, [ 68 Ga]Ga‐AJ206‐PET shows high contrast within 60 min and suitable absorbed dose estimates for clinical use. Additionally, [ 68 Ga]Ga‐AJ206 detects CD38 expression in cell line‐derived xenografts, patient‐derived xenografts (PDXs), and disseminated disease models in a manner consistent with flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry findings. Moreover, [ 68 Ga]Ga‐AJ206‐PET successfully quantifies CD38 pharmacodynamics in PDXs, revealing increased CD38 expression in the tumor following all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) therapy. In conclusion, [ 68 Ga]Ga‐AJ206 exhibits the salient features required for clinical translation, providing CD38‐specific high‐contrast images in multiple models of MM. [ 68 Ga]Ga‐AJ206‐PET could be useful for quantifying total CD38 levels and pharmacodynamics during therapy to evaluate approved and new therapies in MM and other diseases with CD38 involvement.