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Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)

Delivering Phase 0-ready imaging studies and generating quantitative data that is directly relevant to first-in-human development and IND-enabling packages.






























Higher sensitivity. Spatial resolution. 

SPECT offers sensitivity and spatial resolution, enabling high-quality quantitative imaging of a broad range of radionuclides. 

This is particularly important in the context of modern radiopharmaceutical development, where understanding biodistribution, target engagement, and dosimetry early is critical for de-risking programmes and informing clinical decision-making.   

The recent installation of the system represents a significant step forward for our translational imaging laboratory and strengthens our capability at the interface of discovery, radiopharmaceutical development, and clinical translation.   


Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)






Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)

Access for all.

Supporting partners working across oncology and emerging non-oncology indications.  


  • The system provides high-resolution, quantitative small-animal imaging designed to support translational radiopharmaceutical development.
  • Built on a modular, multi-pinhole detector architecture, the platform delivers excellent spatial resolution and sensitivity, enabling precise assessment of biodistribution, target engagement and therapeutic response in mouse and rat models.
  • The system supports a wide range of commonly used SPECT isotopes, including ⁹⁹ᵐTc, ¹¹¹In, ¹²³I and therapeutic isotopes such as ¹⁷⁷Lu, making it well suited for both diagnostic and theranostic studies.
  • When integrated with CT for anatomical co-registration, the platform enables robust quantitative analysis and dosimetry workflows, generating high-quality data to inform translational decision-making and clinical progression. 






Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)

Data we can provide with SPECT technology:


  • High-resolution whole-body biodistribution maps in mice and rats, enabling clear visualisation of tumour and organ uptake. 
  • Quantitative organ activity measurements (%ID/g) to support robust PK and biodistribution analysis. 
  • Time-activity curves (TACs) for key organs and tumours to inform clearance kinetics and residence time calculations. 
  • Longitudinal imaging datasets enabling repeat-dose and therapy response monitoring within the same animal. 
  • Theranostic isotope tracking (e.g., ¹¹¹In / ¹⁷⁷Lu) to correlate diagnostic imaging with therapeutic distribution. 
  • Tumour-to-organ ratio analysis to support therapeutic window assessment. 
  • 3D organ segmentation and co-registered SPECT/CT datasets for accurate anatomical localisation and dosimetry modelling. 
  • Quantitative absorbed dose estimation inputs for preclinical-to-human extrapolation workflows. 
  • Comparative cohort analysis enabling statistically powered evaluation of formulation, chelator or dosing strategy optimisation. 






Benefits of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)












  • High spatial resolution imaging – Enables precise localisation of radiotracer uptake in small anatomical structures, improving confidence in organ- and tumour-specific analysis. 
  • Quantitative accuracy – Supports reliable activity measurement for biodistribution, pharmacokinetic modelling and dosimetry calculations. 
  • Multi-isotope flexibility – Compatible with commonly used diagnostic and therapeutic SPECT isotopes (e.g., ⁹⁹ᵐTc, ¹¹¹In, ¹²³I, ¹⁷⁷Lu), supporting theranostic development strategies.
  • Longitudinal study capability – Allows repeated imaging in the same animal, reducing variability and enabling dynamic therapy response monitoring.
    • Enhanced therapeutic window assessment – Provides robust tumour-to-organ uptake data to support safety margin evaluation. 
    • Integrated SPECT/CT co-registration – Combines functional and anatomical imaging for accurate organ segmentation and translational dosimetry workflows. 
    • Optimised for small-animal research – Multi-pinhole design delivers high sensitivity suitable for low-activity studies and early-stage radiopharmaceutical screening. 
    • Supports regulatory-aligned translational studies – Generates high-quality quantitative data suitable for informing IND-enabling packages and human dose extrapolation 






    “The addition of Molecubes SPECT strengthens our end-to-end imaging platform, reinforces our position at the cutting edge of radiopharmaceutical translation, and enhances the value we can deliver to industry, academia, and funders.

    Make your next move count using our translational imaging offering.”

    Dr Juliana Maynard, Head of Translational Imaging













    See how we have helped innovators


    Partnering with the MDC has been transformative for Innate Repair. Their world-class expertise and facilities allowed us to conduct complex oncology experiments quickly, cost-effectively, and to the highest scientific standards. MDC is an exceptional partner for any biotech aiming to accelerate innovation.

    Innate Repair

    Medicines Discovery Catapult R&D consulting provided Apeikon Therapeutics with clear direction and structured guidance, helping us define a robust product development plan. Their expertise streamlined our vision into actionable steps, accelerating progress and ensuring strategic alignment.

    Apeikon Therapeutics

    CPSA is an ingenious extension of the target engagement toolbox. It is easier to upscale and control in high throughput screening applications than currently available methods. With exemplary support from MDC we have smoothly incorporated it into our Drug Discovery pipeline.

    Selvita

    MDC’s R&D consulting has been transformative, refining our HT8457S strategy with scientific rigour, identifying and mitigating risks, and strengthening our business model, significantly enhancing Haiku’s credibility.

    Haiku Therapeutics

    The partnership with MDC has allowed us to secure multiple Innovate UK grants and utilise capabilities such as state-of-the-art PET, which aren’t available elsewhere.

    Alchemab Therapeutics

    For the first time, we have been able to generate a map of lung fibrosis in 3D at the tissue scale. Collaborating with MDC has been key to its success. Their expertise has supported the successful integration of state-of-the-art technologies, establishing a valuable new resource for the lung fibrosis community.

    University of Southampton

    Working with MDC allowed us to visualise drug distribution in the brain with a level of clarity we hadn’t achieved before. Their expertise in DESI-MS and willingness to design a project that met our demands provided powerful insights into diffusion patterns, giving us confidence in our compound’s delivery.

    TargTex

    We worked with the Mass Spectrometry team at MDC to help set up and run a complex biochemical assay. The project was technically demanding, but the deep expertise, knowledge and collaborative approach allowed the team to troubleshoot the many challenges and successfully deliver a viable approach.

    Oppilotech

    The team at MDC shares our passion for bringing forward innovative medicines, pioneering new technologies, and operating with data-driven flexibility. They have been integral to our project success and possess unique capabilities to support later-stage candidate selection. A truly valued collaborator and dependable partner.

    Artbio

    Elasmogen was impressed by the quality and rapid delivery timelines for our radiopharmaceutical dosimetry data. There was good interactivity in this project, and we are happy to recommend this service.

    Elasmogen

    Our collaboration with Medicines Discovery Catapult will not only enable us to engage with the wider scientific community but will also allow us to unlock the potential of Acoustic Mass Spectrometry within drug discovery.

    Innovative Medicines and Early Development (IMED) Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca

    It’s been absolutely amazing working with MDC and the team.

    LUNAC Therapeutics

    MDC supported us in developing a therapeutic for Huntington’s Disease through antibody characterisation, iPSC model development, biodistribution studies, imaging and neurodegenerative expertise.

    Alchemab Therapeutics

    We worked together with MDC on a very challenging and demanding project. The MDC team’s expertise in MSI, commitment and flexibility were key to a successful collaboration and reaching our objectives.

    TargTex

    MDC are as involved in our project as the founding team, going above and beyond what I expected. I recommend them to new ventures starting out; even if you don’t know exactly what you need, the team can work with you to achieve some phenomenal results.

    KLAS Therapeutics

    Working with MDC has provided expertise and intellectual input. It has also enabled access to a wider network of companies providing specialist services.

    N4 Pharma

    By tapping into MDC’s unique drug development expertise and facilities, we are confident we will accelerate the preclinical development of our drug delivery system and its commercialisation.

    Sixfold Bioscience

    It has been a pleasure working with MDC as their scientists are pleasant and have a broad range of talents.
    Importantly for projects like ours, they openly and professionally exchange ideas with SMi’s scientific team and keep us abreast of their research developments.

    SMi Systems

    It has been great to access the Artificial Intelligence expertise at Medicines Discovery Catapult.
    The team has taken an innovative approach that adds value to our product and will benefit our customers.

    BioAscent

    As an SME, working with MDC allows us access to scientific know-how and in vivo imaging techniques that would be impossible through any other route. The closeness, timeliness and flexibility of the collaboration significantly accelerated our ability to develop the product.

    Xerion Healthcare

    We have collaborated with MDC for three years, and it continues to provide valuable and high-quality data on our molecules. MDC’s input has directly impacted operational and strategic decisions for our projects and allowed us to move forward with our clinical studies.

    Revolo Biotherapeutics

    For early-stage SMEs in this space, I thoroughly recommend engaging with MDC, who have the end-to-end knowledge in complex medicines, can support your in-house team and provide access to key equipment that start-ups may not have.

    pHion Therapeutics








    Enhance your drug discovery project with SPECT.

    Whether you are looking to use translational imaging for a mechanistic understanding and optimisation of dosing strategies or seeking quantitative data from a from a translational perspective, then get in touch. 

    Fill in the form today and speak to us to see how we can help advance your drug discovery project.







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