Radiometals and Functional Labeling Chemistry

The research activities of this group are dedicated to the radiopharmacological characterization of novel compounds that can be used for both imaging and therapy of tumors with the same underlying target molecule (theranostics). We pursue innovative approaches that involve the combination of radiometals with different properties, various chelator systems, and, for example, near-infrared dyes for labeling peptides, proteins, antibodies, and small molecules. Our core competencies and particular interest lie in radiolabeling with the copper nuclides 61 (positron emitter), 64 (positron/Auger emitter), and 67 (electron/gamma emitter), as well as other radionuclides that meet the requirements of a so-called matched pair.

Recent key publications

• Trommer J. et al., EJNMMI Radiopharm Chem, 10:31, 2025.
• Sihver W. et al., Bioconjugate Chem, 35:1402, 2024. 
• Kubeil M. et al., Chem Eur J, 30, e202400366, 2024. (Cover feature)

Projects (multicenter)

• Development of radio- and fluorescence labeling approaches for targeted cancer theranostics (collaboration with the Department of Medicinal Radiochemistry (Robert Wodtke group, Kristof Zarschler group), Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, and the Department of Radiation Research on Biological Systems (Manja Kubeil group), Institute of Resource Ecology)

Research initiatives

• Auger- and Conversion-Electron Radiopharmaceuticals