Detection of the Multiple Sclerosis Drug Siponimod Using Fluorine-19 Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

Siponimod is a fluorinated drug approved for treatment of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. We detect 19F-MR signal in the liver, brain, kidneys, and thymus, and achieve the first 19F-MR images of a disease modifying drug, both in the liver and brain ex vivo and in a proof-of-concept in vivo experiment. Clear concentration differences between lobes of the liver or regions of the CNS can be observed. We have demonstrated the feasibility of using 19F-MRI to study the distribution of disease modifying drugs and improve our understanding of pharmacokinetics or guide therapeutic decisions.