Iran’s nuclear scientists develop radiopharmaceutical that detects Alzheimer’s decades early

The file photo shows PET scans of the brain of a 58-year-old woman diagnosed two years previously with Alzheimer’s disease

Iranian nuclear scientists have successfully developed a radiopharmaceutical that can detect Alzheimer’s disease up to 20 years before any symptoms appear, providing a promising opportunity for early intervention and treatment. 

According to a report released on Tuesday, the newly developed radiopharmaceutical, called Florbetapir, not only identifies early pathological signs but also enables more targeted and effective treatment strategies to slow down the progression of the disease. 

“Alzheimer's disease currently has no cure, but its progression can be slowed down,” an Iranian nuclear scientist explained. 

“One of the radiopharmaceuticals we have recently succeeded in producing is designed specifically for the early detection of Alzheimer’s. It can predict the onset of the disease up to two decades before symptoms begin,” the scientist added.

Iranian officials insist that they will not give up the right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, one of which is its application in medicine, particularly in addressing neurodegenerative disorders, where early detection is crucial. 

In a specific case study, a 56-year-old patient with cognitive impairment underwent imaging after receiving the injection, showing positive clinical outcomes and visible neurological improvements, demonstrating the value of early detection. 

The development of Florbetapir is the result of two years of scientific effort by scientists in Iran's nuclear industry, overcoming significant obstacles due to international sanctions, particularly from US-based companies in the field who refused to collaborate. 

Despite facing challenges in collaborating with major pharmaceutical firms worldwide, especially those in the United States, Iranian scientists independently succeeded in producing the first domestic doses of Florbetapir, the scientist said.  

So far, 80 patients have received this radiopharmaceutical, and nuclear medicine specialists have reported outstanding results in the early detection of Alzheimer's disease.