Scientists Expand PET Imaging Options Through Simpler Chemistry

The University of Arizona has licensed new radio-labeling chemistry for PET contrast agents to startup TheraCea Pharma.

"Our advantage is that we've simplified the methods that allow non-experts to do the nuclear chemistry," said Daryaei, TheraCea Pharma co-founder and CEO. "We've done the work to make sure that it's useful and simple for any lab technician to use."

Part of what makes PET imaging work is that specific formulations containing small, safe amounts of a radioactive isotope are injected into the body as contrast agents. But making these agents, which commonly use the radioisotope Flourine-18, is no small task. Before the UArizona team's innovation, this required an expert in nuclear chemistry to work through the processes to bind Flourine-18 to diagnostic agents and produce a patient-ready formulation.

TheraCea Achieves Finalist Title at UNMET Conference

TheraCea is excited to be an active participant in the UNMET Arizona Fall 2020 virtual conference, a dynamic event focused on empowering early-stage companies in underserved regions across North America to secure Seed and Series A capital. This conference serves as a critical bridge to address the unmet need for venture capital investments in emerging enterprises. Co-hosted by the Arizona Commerce Authority and Stout Street Capital, UNMET Arizona Fall 2020 is set to gather over 100 of the most rapidly growing Seed and Series A startups from Middle-America. As presenting companies, we have a unique opportunity to showcase our business concepts to a diverse audience of more than 150 institutional VC investors spanning the globe. The conference's video pitch platform is tailored to facilitate interactive engagements, allowing founders to deliver succinct, engaging video pitches that provide insights similar to Instagram Stories. TheraCea's participation in UNMET Arizona Fall 2020 underscores our commitment to innovation and growth within the radiopharmaceutical sector, while harnessing the power of collaboration and networking on a global scale.