The Radiopharmacy department at HZDR focuses on producing PET radiopharmaceuticals for oncologic, neurologic and cognitive disorder diagnosis, primarily using [18F]fluorine (T1/2 = 109.8 min) and [11C]carbon (T1/2 = 20.4 min). Radiolabelling, dispensing and quality control are carried out under clean room conditions, with all production performed under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines. HZDR holds a GMP certificate and license for the manufacturing of drugs.
Radionuclides are generated using a 30 MeV TR-Flex cyclotron (ACSI, Canada), which accelerates H-ions and extracts protons via stripping foils at two extraction ports, with beam energies variable between 18–30 MeV and currents up to 300 µA. Each target station supports bombardment of liquids, solids and gases, enabling regular production of [18F]F⁻, [18F]F2, [11C]CO2
and [11C]CH4, as well as radiometals including Cu-61/64/67, Ga-67, Co-57, Ba-131, La-133 and La-135. An automated transport system moves targets and radionuclides via shielded tube lines from the cyclotron to the hot cells, under continuous monitoring and control. Besides routine 18F and 11C production, these radioisotopes are regularly provided for radiochemistry and preclinical research.
