Targetry and Target Chemistry Group

Radiopharmaceuticals are prepared from radionuclides that emit radiation. Radionuclides emitting "positrons" and "γ-rays" are used for diagnostic imaging, and those emitting "α-particles" and "β-particles" are used for radiopharmaceutical therapy; different kinds of radionuclides are required for several diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. In order to satisfy the required type, quality, and quantity of radionuclides, and produce them safely and efficiently, our group is working on the development of a variety of systems, methods, and devices for accelerator targetry and radiochemical isolation. We have been exploring new irradiation systems, target vessels, purification methods, remote-control systems, and so on. The produced radionuclides are used for radiopharmaceutical development and preclinical/clinical studies inside and outside of our institute, with the hope that useful radiopharmaceuticals will be developed and distributed to the medical community.

・To develop irradiation stations and target vessels to enable irradiating a variety of targets such as powder materials and those with low-melting point

・To produce the unique radionuclides used in radiopharmaceuticals, and their quality control and management

・To assemble remotely controlled system to produce radionuclides at the clinical scale safely and efficiently