Sangram Nag

I am the Team Leader of the Radiochemistry Research and Development Team at the Karolinska Institutet PET Centre and have been recognized as a leading figure in this field of research. Driven by my passion for the challenges in radiochemistry, I play a pivotal role in the development of PET radioligands within the neuroscience division. Collaborating with esteemed Professor Andrea Varrone and Professor Christer Halldin, I advance academic research and seek partnerships with industry to support drug discovery initiatives. My responsibilities include managing a diverse team focused on enhancing operational efficiency, applying technology, and fostering innovative organizational practices.

Specializing in the development and automation of radiochemistry, I am particularly adept at working with short-lived isotopes like Carbon-11, Fluorine-18, and Gallium-68 to radiolabel drug candidates. I have developed over 125 radioligands using these isotopes, many of which have undergone advanced biological testing through autoradiography and PET in preclinical studies. I am committed to the further development of PET radioligands to address challenges in both basic science and industry collaboration.

Additionally, I place significant emphasis on mentoring PhD students, contributing to the cultivation of future scientific talent. My research interests focus on creating new PET radioligands for the central nervous system. By moving beyond a simplistic one-dimensional view of imaging from animal to human translation, I have co-authored 70 scientific papers in the realms of radiochemistry and molecular imaging. My commitment to pioneering high-quality imaging systems is directed towards advancing precision diagnosis and therapy for central nervous system disorders, further enriching the fields of PET radioligands and neuroscience.

My research focus lies at the intersection of neuroimaging and radiopharmaceutical development, particularly in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) for Central Nervous System (CNS) imaging. With a strong commitment to advancing PET radioligands, I am dedicated to developing novel radioligands designed to target specific CNS receptors and proteins. My research objectives include design and synthesis strategies that prioritize optimizing radioligand properties such as binding affinity, selectivity, and brain penetrance, which are essential for enhancing efficacy in CNS imaging studies.

Alongside my design efforts, my research encompasses thorough in vitro evaluation, where I analyze radioligand-receptor interactions through rigorous binding studies. By assessing parameters like affinity, selectivity, and metabolic stability, I aim to accurately predict the in vivo behavior of radioligands, laying a solid foundation for subsequent optimization and translation efforts.

The core of my research involves sophisticated in vivo studies using small animal PET imaging techniques to investigate key parameters of radioligands within the CNS. These studies focus on elucidating brain penetrance, distribution patterns, and specific binding characteristics in live animal models, providing comprehensive insights into radiotracer behavior following administration. Through the strategic integration of design, in vitro evaluation, and in vivo studies, my research plan effectively navigates the complex landscape of novel PET radioligand development for CNS imaging, significantly contributing to advancements in precision diagnostics and therapeutic interventions for neurological disorders.

Organizer of the one week long research education course PET in Neuroscience with a Focus on Radiochemistry