PIPPA/CIBM

PCI HUG-UNIGE Molecular Imaging Facility is a high-level translational platform jointly operated by the University of Geneva (UNIGE), the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), and the Center for Biomedical Imaging (CIBM). Located in the Geneva University and Hospital precinct, just 10 km from CERN in Switzerland, the facility offers a strategic position at the interface of academic research and clinical innovation.

The platform supports the full translational pathway for PRISMAP+ portfolio radionuclides, from preclinical characterisation to clinical translation. For these radionuclides, the compound is supplied to the facility already radiolabeled (radiolabeling synthesis is not performed on site); the facility handles dose formulation, in vitro/in vivo characterisation, and preclinical imaging, followed where relevant by clinical translation through the associated Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging division. The infrastructure comprises licensed cyclotron and radiopharmacy units and GMP quality control laboratories (dedicated to the facility’s routine clinical radiopharmaceutical activity), a biology/biochemistry laboratory, and multimodal imaging systems (PET, SPECT, CT, MRI, optical imaging), all supported by expert technical staff.

In vitro systems are available alongside rodent models, with an additional alternative model, the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of fertilized chicken eggs, enabling a broad range of experimental designs. Animal work is conducted under SPF-like (specific pathogen-free) conditions and supervised by FELASA-certified personnel (FELASA B and C), in compliance with EU Directive 2010/63/EU.

The facility is fully integrated within national and international research networks, including CIBM and PRISMAP+, and supports both academic and translational projects. Its strategic proximity to academic and clinical departments fosters seamless collaboration and accelerates the transition from bench to bedside.

The facility offers a full range of services to support preclinical molecular imaging and radiopharmaceutical research with the PRISMAP+ portfolio radionuclides Ac-225, Cu-64, Tb-155, Er-169, Ra-223, and Sm-153. For these radionuclides, the compound is supplied to the facility already radiolabeled; radiolabeling synthesis is not performed on site. On receipt, quality control of the radiolabeled compound is performed by radio-TLC and radio-HPLC, followed by formulation of the injectable/incubation dose (e.g. in saline). The facility’s radioprotection license also covers C-11, Cr-51, F-18, Ga-68, Ge-68, I-123, I-124, I-125, I-131, In-111, Lu-177, Mo-99, N-13, P-32, Rb-82, Re-186, Sr-82, Tc-99m, Tl-201, Y-86, Y-90, and Zr-89, which could be considered for addition to the PRISMAP+ portfolio upon request.

Imaging capabilities cover state-of-the-art PET, SPECT, CT, MRI, and optical imaging systems. The facility houses a nanoScan PET/CT 122S (Mediso), compatible with a nanoScan MRI 3T for seamless hybrid PET/MR imaging and supporting multi-animal acquisitions (up to 4 mice or 2 rats), as well as a Triumph PET/SPECT/CT (Trifoil Imaging) supporting acquisition of up to 3 mice. Additional equipment includes a Quantum GX micro-CT (Revvity) and an IVIS Lumina II (Revvity) for optical fluorescence/luminescence imaging. Quantitative image analysis and post-processing services are available to users.

Animal studies are supported with full infrastructure and expertise, including all common and immunocompromised mouse and rat strains (nude, SCID, NSG) under SPF-like conditions. Tumor models include syngeneic and xenograft (subcutaneous and orthotopic), as well as patient-derived xenografts (PDX); custom tumor models can be developed upon request. The alternative chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model of fertilized chicken eggs is also available. In vitro and cell-based studies are also supported.

The facility provides scientific consulting and experimental design support, with FELASA B and C certified staff (EU Directive 2010/63/EU compliant). Animal work is supported by shielded infrastructure for handling, injection, and dissection of radioactive animals, dedicated animal housing, and radiation safety oversight by two certified radiation safety officers.