F-18 BMS-747158-02 is a novel positron emission tomography cardiac tracer targeting MC-I in cardiomyocytes with rapid uptake and slow washout. These characteristics allow fast and sustained accumulation in the heart.

A series of fluorinated pyridazinone derivatives with IC50 values ranging from 8 to 4000 nM for the mitochondrial complex 1 (MC1) have been prepared. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) assessment indicated preference of the fluorine label to be incorporated on an alkyl side chain rather than directly on the pyridazinone moiety. Tissue distribution studies of a series of analogues ([18F] 22-28) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats identified [18F]27 as the most promising radiotracer with high uptake in cardiac tissue (3.41%ID/g; 30 min post injection) in addition to favorable heart to nontarget organ distribution ratios. MicroPET images of SD rats and nonhuman primates after [18F]27 administration allowed easy assessment of the myocardium through 60 min with minimal lung or liver interference.

MC-I inhibitors have the potential to be a new class of MPI agent.