Molecular Imaging and Therapy Research Unit (MITRU)
MITRU is home to South Australia's only cyclotron - a particle accelerator that produces radioactive isotopes for use in medical imaging, treatment and research.
MITRU is dedicated to the research, development and manufacture of radiopharmaceuticals.
The unit is licensed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as a manufacturer of radiopharmaceuticals which are supplied daily to hospitals and imaging centres all over Australia.
MITRU is increasingly supplying radiopharmaceuticals for research purposes including clinical trials.
The TGA undertakes regular audits of MITRU to ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and that all guidance provided by the TGA is being followed.
Imaging
MITRU specialises in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging tracers. These tracers bind to target cells in the body and emit radiation which is detected by a PET scanner at the imaging facility.
The scanner then combines the reading with a CT scan of the patient to show where in the body the target cells are located.
MITRU is licensed to provide [18F]FDG, [18F]NaF and [18F]PSMA-1007 to hospitals and imaging centres in Australia that hold a supply agreement with SAHMRI.
Therapy
MITRU is a specialist manufacturer of Lutetium-177 [ 177Lu] based therapies.
Once administered to the patient, these therapy agents bind to the target cell (typically cancerous cells) and emit radiation. The radiation destroys the cell that it is bound to without irradiating surrounding tissues.
MITRU has previously manufactured the therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals [177Lu]PSMA-617 and [177Lu]PSMA I&T supporting Australian-based clinical trials in metastatic prostate cancer.
Research and Development
MITRU has research collaborations with universities, institutions and private companies. The team continues to develop new tracers to add to its portfolio of routinely produced radiopharmaceuticals using in-house produced isotopes like Fluorine-18 [18F], Copper-64 [64Cu] and Zirconium-89 [89Zr].
The unit is actively involved in researching new radiopharmaceuticals which target different cells in the body in order to image or treat new conditions.
To inquire about professional partnerships, place an order or for more information, please get in touch
SAHMRI is located on Kaurna Country. We pay respects to the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We are committed to embracing knowledge and culture as we continue our working journey to incorporate Aboriginal health research across all of our themes and further reconciliation.
Read more"Tirki nguta tappa tangka marninithi"
(Learning and knowledge are the pathway to alter the mind)
- Uncle Lewis Yerloburka O’Brien, Kaurna Elder
