RecruitingPhase IInterventional

18F-LW223: A new tool for detecting inflammation in the body

Researchers are developing a new type of scan, called a PET scan, using a special substance called 18F-LW223. This scan aims to highlight and locate inflammation inside the body, which could be helpful in understanding many diseases. This first phase of the study is looking for healthy men, aged 18 to 55, to see how safe this new scan is and how the body handles the scanning substance. Participants will have one PET scan and give blood and urine samples. The study is important for developing new ways to detect and potentially treat conditions involving inflammation.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Phase I

Sponsor

University of Edinburgh

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2028

Radiotracer to detect regional tissue inflammation

What is this study about?

Imagine a new type of camera that can see things inside your body that normal cameras can't. This study uses a special camera called a PET scanner along with a new substance called 18F-LW223. We put a small amount of this substance into your body, and it's designed to light up areas where there's inflammation. Inflammation is your body's natural response to injury or infection, but sometimes it can go wrong and cause health problems.

The main goal of this study is to see if this new scan is safe for people and if it works as we expect. By understanding how the body handles 18F-LW223, we can improve future scans that might help doctors find and treat conditions linked to inflammation. This is an early stage of research, like testing a brand new tool to see if it works as intended.

This study is really important because inflammation plays a part in many common illnesses, from heart disease to arthritis. If we can develop better ways to see inflammation early on, it could lead to better diagnoses and treatments down the line. It's a stepping stone towards wider use in the future for people who might be unwell.

Key takeaways

New scan (18F-LW223) aims to find inflammation.
First-stage study for healthy males (18-55).
Involves one PET-CT scan, blood, and urine samples.
Small risk of radiation exposure and injection site issues.
Helps advance understanding of inflammation for future treatments.
Your contribution is important for medical research.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthy men between the ages of 18 and 55. You need to be in good overall health, both physically and mentally, as checked by the study doctor. Your body weight and height will also be checked to make sure you fall within a healthy range.

To make sure we get accurate results, you shouldn't have had too many X-rays or scans that use radiation in the past year. If you tend to feel uneasy in tight spaces (claustrophobia) or can't lie still for a long time, this study might not be right for you. Your lifestyle, including any caffeine intake before the scan, will also be considered.

Finally, because this research involves a new substance and radiation, participants must agree to use effective birth control for a certain period after the scan, or be surgically sterile, to ensure safety.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a male between 18 and 55 years old?
Are you generally healthy and don't have major medical conditions?
Do you feel comfortable in small, enclosed spaces?
Are you willing to avoid caffeine for two days before the scan?
Can you commit to using effective birth control if required?
Are you willing to have small tubes put into your arm and, for some, your wrist?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part, you'll visit the University of Edinburgh. First, you'll have a screening appointment to make sure you're eligible, which includes having your medical history checked and some basic tests. You'll then have one main study visit.

During this visit, you'll have a small plastic tube inserted into a vein in your arm, and another into an artery in your wrist for some participants. This is so we can give you the new scanning substance and take blood samples. You will then have one PET-CT scan, which involves lying still in the scanner. We will collect several blood and urine samples before, during, and after the scan. The whole process, from the time the substance is given until the end of the scan, will involve tracking the substance in your body. The study will contact you and your GP if any unexpected findings are seen on the scans.

Potential risks and benefits

This is an early-stage study, so the main benefit for you is contributing to medical research. Knowing that you're helping scientists understand inflammation better could be rewarding. While the study is carefully designed, there are some potential risks. You'll receive a PET-CT scan, which uses a small amount of radiation. This slightly increases your lifetime risk of cancer, estimated at 0.05%. You'll also be slightly radioactive for a few hours and advised to avoid pregnant people and children. Inserting tubes into your arm and wrist carries small risks like bruising, bleeding, or infection. In rare cases, the scans might find something unexpected that needs further investigation. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.

Locations (1)

Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Approximate
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is your body's natural way of protecting itself from harm, like infection or injury. It can cause redness, swelling, heat, and pain.

Is the new scanning substance safe?

The substance, 18F-LW223, is new and is being tested in this study to check its safety and how your body handles it. Allergic reactions are very rare.

How long will the study visit take?

The full study visit, including preparing for the scan and taking samples, will likely take several hours.

Will I feel radioactive after the scan?

No, you won't feel anything. However, because you'll have a tiny amount of radiation in your body, you'll be advised to avoid close contact with pregnant individuals and young children for about six hours.

What happens if they find something unusual on my scan?

If anything unexpected is found, the study team will contact you and your GP to discuss it and arrange any necessary follow-up care.

How to find out more

Phyo Khaing

pkhaing@ed.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.