Groundbreaking PET Tracer Could Revolutionize Sickle Cell Disease Diagnosis

Dr. Carolyn J. Anderson has been awarded a $100,000 research grant to advance diagnostic imaging for sickle cell disease. The funding comes from the Mars Shot Research Fund, which backs innovative projects in nuclear medicine. Her work focuses on developing a new PET radiotracer to improve detection of vaso-occlusive crises in patients.

The award recognises Dr. Anderson's expertise in medicinal chemistry and molecular imaging. Her team will refine 18F-LLP2A, a fluorine-18 labelled tracer designed to target integrin α4β1—a key marker in sickle cell-related inflammation. This builds on earlier research using 64Cu-LLP2A, a copper-based tracer tested in a 2026 US clinical trial led by the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

The new tracer offers practical benefits over its predecessor. Fluorine-18 is more widely available and easier to distribute than copper-64, addressing logistical challenges in clinical settings. The project will compare synthesis methods, study biodistribution, and establish quality control protocols to ensure consistency in production. Sickle cell disease affects around 7.75 million people globally. It causes misshapen red blood cells that block vessels, leading to severe pain and organ damage. PET imaging with 18F-LLP2A could provide clearer insights into these crises, aiding both diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

The research aims to standardise 18F-LLP2A production and validate its clinical use. If successful, the tracer could become a routine tool for managing sickle cell disease. The Mars Shot award supports this step toward more accessible and precise molecular imaging.