Development and potentials of Tc-99m salbutamol (Saltec)

We recently developed a method to prepare Tc-99m Salbutamol (Saltec). The aim of the present work is to characterize the new product through laboratory and animal experiments, to initiate human trial, and to suggest its potential uses. Radiocomplexation efficiency of 90% was consistently achieved with hydrolyzed reduced Tc-99m being 5–8%. Serum stability was maintained till atleast 24 h. Blood clearance, serum protein binding and organ biodistribution of radiolabeled salbutamol in mice and man was similar to the known behavior of the base salt. Relatively higher uptake in the lungs in comparison to non-specific radiotracers, and rising accumulation with respect to time and blood-pool showed specific uptake of the radiotracer in lung. Potential uses of Tc-99m Salbutamol include molecular mapping or imaging of β-2 adrenergic receptors (including in-vitro bioassay), specific lung imaging, ventilation scanning and other pharmacoscintigraphy uses pertaining to albuterol group of drugs.