RPT – FAQs

Find answers to our most frequently asked questions around RPT development. If you still need help, then visit our radiopharmaceuticals page for more information, or speak to us.






























Radiopharmaceuticals and core concepts

What is theranostics in oncology?

Theranostics pairs a diagnostic imaging isotope with a therapeutic isotope using the same molecular target. For example: 

  • ⁸⁹Zr → ¹⁷⁷Lu 
  • ²⁰³Pb → ²¹²Pb
  • 64Cu  67Cu 

This allows clinicians and developers to: 

  • Visualise tumour uptake. 
  • Predict therapeutic response. 
  • Optimise dosing. 
  • Select the right patients. 

We specialise in designing and executing these paired studies. 

What therapeutic areas are targeted by radiopharmaceuticals?

Currently, radiopharmaceuticals are primarily used in oncology, including: 

  • Prostate cancer (PSMA). 
  • Neuroendocrine tumours (SSTR). 
  • Breast, colorectal, pancreatic, and lung cancers. 
  • Emerging targets such as FAP, HER2, and integrins. 

The field is rapidly expanding as new targets, diseases and isotopes become clinically validated. 

What is nuclear medicine?

Nuclear medicine uses radioactive materials for imaging and therapy. In oncology, it enables noninvasive visualisation of tumour biology and targeted delivery of radiation to cancer cells. 

What are Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals (TRPs)?

TRPs are also forms of RPT, precision medicines that combine a targeting vector with a radioactive payload. They can be used for diagnosis, therapy, or both (theranostics), depending on the isotope selected. 

What is Radioligand Therapy (RLT)?

RLT is a form of RPT where a targeting ligand (small molecule, peptide, antibody, nanobody) is linked to a therapeutic radionuclide such as ¹⁷⁷Lu, ²²⁵Ac, or ²¹²Pb and others. The ligand finds the tumour; the radionuclide delivers the therapeutic effect. 

What is Radiopharmaceutical Therapy (RPT)?

RPT uses targeted radioactive drugs to deliver radiation directly to tumour cells. These agents bind to specific molecular targets, enabling highly selective treatment while sparing healthy tissue. 

Capabilities and services

What animal models do you use?

We work across: 

  • CDX models for early PoC. 
  • PDX models for translational relevance. 
  • Orthotopic and metastatic models. 
Do you provide in vitro and ex vivo RPT assays?

Yes, we offer: 

  • In vitro RPT screening (binding, internalisation, stability, cytotoxicity). 
  • Ex vivo assays (autoradiography, gamma counting, histology, biomarker analysis). 

These complement our in vivo imaging and efficacy platforms. 

Can you support novel chelation or linker chemistry?

Absolutely. Our radiochemists routinely develop and optimise chelator–linker systems for peptides, antibodies, nanobodies, and small molecules, including stability testing, immunoreactivity, and radiolabelling optimisation. 

Do you offer dosimetry?

Yes. We perform preclinical dosimetry using clinicalstandard software aligned with MIRD methodologies and FDA guidance. This includes ex vivo biodistribution time activity curves and longitudinal voxelbased and organlevel dose estimation. 

What imaging modalities do you offer?

Our preclinical imaging suite includes: 

  • PET. 
  • SPECT. 
  • CT. 
  • Bioluminescence (IVIS). 
  • Highfrequency ultrasound. 
  • Quantitative image analysis pipelines. 

These enable biodistribution, PK/PD, efficacy, and dosimetry studies across multiple isotopes. 

Which isotopes can you work with?

We are licensed for a broad suite of alpha and beta emitters, including: ²²⁵Ac, ²¹²Pb, ¹⁷⁷Lu, ⁸⁹Zr, ⁶⁸Ga, ¹⁸F, ⁹⁹ᵐTc, ¹¹¹In, 64Cu, 67Cu, 161Tb and others. This supports both diagnostic imaging and therapeutic development. 

How do you accelerate clinical translation?

By integrating radiochemistry, in vivo biology, multimodal imaging, dosimetry, and quantitative image analysis under one roof, we remove the operational friction that slows most RPT programmes. This enables faster study execution, cleaner datasets, and investorready packages aligned with FDA/EMA expectations. 

Do you support theranostic development?

We specialise in diagnostic–therapeutic isotope pairing, such as ⁸⁹Zr → ¹⁷⁷Lu or ²⁰³Pb → ²¹²Pb and 4Cu  ⁶⁷Cu enabling prediction of therapeutic uptake, safety, and efficacy in real time. 

Do you offer PDX models?

Yes, through our strategic partnerships, we provide access to 1,400+ annotated PDX models, enabling highly predictive translational studies. 

Can you support novel or complex radiochemistry?

Absolutely. Our radiochemists specialise in bespoke chelator/linker optimisation, stability testing, immunoreactivity, and radiolabelling of peptides, antibodies, nanobodies, and small molecules. 

Do you support alpha, beta, and diagnostic isotopes?

We are licensed for a broad suite of isotopes including ²²⁵Ac, ²¹²Pb, ¹⁷⁷Lu, ⁸⁹Zr, ⁶⁸Ga, ¹⁸F, ⁹⁹ᵐTc, ⁶⁷Cu, ¹⁶¹Tb and others. 

What radiochemistry capabilities support preclinical translational and imaging studies?

We provide endtoend radiochemistry support, including: 

  • Radiolabelling of small molecules, peptides, antibodies, nanobodies, and biologics. 
  • Chelator and linker optimisation. 
  • Stability testing, immunoreactivity, and targetbinding assays. 
  • Access to a broad suite of alpha, beta, and diagnostic isotopes (e.g., ²²⁵Ac, ²¹²Pb, ¹⁷⁷Lu, ⁸⁹Zr, ⁶⁸Ga, ¹⁸F, 64Cu, 67Cu; 161Tb). 
  • Rapid synthesis and QC workflows aligned with regulatory expectations. 

These capabilities ensure that imaging agents and therapeutic candidates are robust, stable, and ready for in vivo evaluation. 

Which preclinical imaging modalities and species models are utilised?

We operate a full suite of highperformance preclinical imaging platforms, including: 

  • PET. 
  • SPECT. 
  • CT. 
  • Bioluminescence (IVIS). 
  • Highfrequency ultrasound. 
  • Quantitative image analysis pipelines. 

We work across a range of translationally relevant models, including: 

  • CDX models for early PoC. 
  • PDX models. 
  • Orthotopic and metastatic models. 
  • Immunocompetent and immunodeficient strains. 

This breadth enables highly predictive imaging and efficacy studies across oncology and other therapeutic areas.

How do you deliver integrated preclinical imaging solutions?

We bring radiochemistry, in vivo biology, multimodal imaging, dosimetry, and quantitative analysis together in a single, coordinated workflow. We perform everything onsite, from radiolabelling to imaging to biodistribution and PK/PD modelling, ensuring tight QC, consistent datasets, and faster turnaround. This integration reduces friction between development stages and produces clean, decisionready data that supports IND/IMPD submissions, investor milestones, and rapid programme progression. 

How do you support therapeutic development across key areas?

We support programmes from target validation through INDenabling studies, with expertise across: 

  • Oncology (solid tumours, PSMA, FAP, SSTR, and emerging targets). 
  • Radiopharmaceutical therapy (alpha and beta emitters). 
  • Theranostics (diagnostic–therapeutic isotope pairing). 
  • Biodistribution, PK/PD, and efficacy in relevant tumour models of all types of molecule. 
  • Biomarker integration and quantitative imaging endpoints. 

Our integrated platform enables clients to derisk candidate selection, optimise dosing strategies, and generate the translational evidence needed for regulatory progression and investment. 

What specialist services do you offer at MDC?

We provide endtoend preclinical translational imaging and radiopharmaceutical development, including: 

  • Radiolabelling & formulation. 
  • Preclinical efficacy. 
  • Biodistribution. 
  • Multimodal imaging (PET, SPECT, CT, IVIS, ultrasound). 
  • Dosimetry. 
  • Theranosic services. 
  • In vitro RPT screening. 
  • Ex vivo analysis. 
  • Study design & regulatoryaligned consultation. 

Operational and commercial

How robust is your data analysis?

We provide quantitative image analysis, semiautomated segmentation, and reproducible PK/PD and dosimetry pipelines, delivering decisionready data trusted by pharma and emerging biotechs. 

What software do you use for dosimetry?

We use clinicalstandard dosimetry platforms aligned with MIRD methodologies, ensuring smooth progression into regulatory submissions. 

Do you support Phase 0 or micro‑dosing studies?

We support preclinical packages that feed directly into Phase 0 designs and collaborate with clinical partners for translational imaging and earlyhuman readiness. 

Can you help design my preclinical programme?

Yes, we offer consultative study design, including: 

  • Model selection. 
  • Isotope pairing. 
  • Dosing strategy. 
  • Imaging endpoints. 
  • Biomarker integration. 
  • Regulatoryaligned study plans. 
Are you FDA and EMA‑aligned?

Yes, our study designs, dosimetry workflows, and reporting formats follow FDA guidance, IAEA recommendations, and EMA expectations. 

Working with us

What imaging capabilities support radiopharmaceutical clinical trials?

We offer imaging capabilities including: 

  • PET/CT, PET/MR, SPECT. 
  • GMP radiotracer production. 
  • Imaging protocol development. 
  • Translational biomarker alignment. 
  • Quantitative image analysis. 

This ensures a smooth handover from preclinical to clinical imaging, supporting Phase 0, Phase I, and theranostic trial designs. 

How do you support radiopharmaceutical therapy development?

We provide a complete preclinical RPT development pathway, including: 

  • Radiochemistry development and optimisation. 
  • In vitro RPT screening. 
  • Biodistribution and PK/PD studies. 
  • Efficacy in CDX and PDX models. 
  • Regulatoryaligned dosimetry. 
  • Quantitative imaging and imagebased modelling. 
  • IND/IMPDready reporting. 

Our integrated approach accelerates progression from concept to clinic while reducing programme risk. 

Can preclinical imaging studies be tailored to specific programme needs?

We design fully bespoke imaging and in vivo studies, including: 

  • Custom tracer selection. 
  • Diagnostic–therapeutic isotope pairing. 
  • Tailored imaging schedules and endpoints. 
  • Model selection aligned with clinical indication. 
  • Quantitative analysis pipelines specific to the mechanism of action. 

We work as an extension of your scientific team, ensuring each study is fit for purpose, translatable, and aligned with your development strategy. 

Can you accelerate my path to IND or Phase 0?

Our integrated workflows reduce handoffs, compress timelines, and generate regulatoryaligned biodistribution, dosimetry, PK/PD, and efficacy datasets in one place. The result: investorready packages that move programmes into the clinic with confidence. 

What makes you different from other RPT CROs?

We combine radiochemistry, in vivo biology, multimodal imaging, dosimetry, and quantitative analysis in a single, tightly integrated unit. This eliminates the outsourcing gaps that slow most programmes and delivers cleaner data, faster timelines, and lower development risk. 

How do you ensure smooth collaboration across time zones?

Our BD and project management teams operate with USfriendly hours, structured communication, and predictable reporting cycles. 

Why should US companies work with a UK‑based partner?

Because we deliver speed, quality, and reliability at a level that outperforms many US providers, with no compromise on regulatory alignment. Our location also avoids the bottlenecks and capacity constraints currently affecting US RPT CROs. 

Do you work with US‑based companies?

We are structured to support US biotechs and pharma with fast, reliable, highquality data. We deliver highperformance data, predictable timelines, and exceptional reliability, without the bottlenecks common in the US market. 

Do you offer GMP manufacturing?

Not currently. We focus on preclinical development, but our workflows are designed to dovetail with GMP partners and CDMOs for seamless progression to clinical supply. 

Can you help secure isotope supply?

Through strategic partnerships and national initiatives, we support access to key isotopes including ²¹²Pb and ²²⁵Ac, reducing supply chain risk for clients. We have multiple supply agreements across our library of isotopes. 

Do you work with early‑stage companies?

We support everyone from seedstage biotechs to global pharma, guiding on data needs and study design as well as providing the data packages needed for fundraising, partnering, and regulatory progression. 

Do you offer long‑term partnerships?

Yes, many clients engage us as a strategic extension of their RPT platform, leveraging our integrated capabilities across multiple programmes, assets and modalities. 

Can you run multiple preclinical studies in parallel?

Yes, our radiochemistry, imaging, and in vivo teams operate in coordinated workflows that support parallel study execution without compromising quality. 

How quickly can a preclinical study start?

Our integrated model and onsite isotope access allows rapid initiation. Timelines depend on isotope availability, model readiness, and study complexity, but we’re engineered to operate at speed. 

MDC vs competitors – comparison FAQ

Do competitors match MDC’ regulatory alignment?

Not consistently. We are explicitly aligned with FDA and EMA guidance, giving clients a smoother path to IND. 

Are you more cost‑effective?

Yes! Our integrated model reduces outsourcing costs, repeat studies, and delays, delivering better value per dataset. 

Do competitors match your theranostic expertise?

Some offer elements, but we specialise in diagnostic–therapeutic isotope pairing, surrogate imaging, and regulatory aligned dosimetry. 

Do competitors offer the same imaging depth?

Few match our combination of PET, SPECT, CT, IVIS, ultrasound, quantitative analysis, and dosimetry in one facility. 

How do you compare to emerging RPT start‑ups?

Unlike newer entrants, we have licensed facilities, established infrastructure, validated models, and a proven track record  reducing risk for clients. 

How do you differ from hybrid CROs that outsource key steps?

We don’t outsource radiochemistry, imaging, or in vivo biology. We deliver true inhouse integration, ensuring data consistency and faster turnaround. 

How do you compare to integrated CROs?

We offer the same integrated capabilities but with greater agility, faster initiation, and lower operational friction. We specialise in preclinical RPT, not broad CRO services, meaning deeper focus and higher precision. While some competitors rely heavily on outsourcing, we utilise our full-stack in house capabilities, enabling faster turnaround, tighter QC, and more coherent datasets. 

We continually drive innovation at pace, including a broad understanding of the radiobiology alongside the RPT translations and a broad understanding of incorporating combination therapies and small molecules in combination with the RPT.







Accelerate your innovation 

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Our experts are here to support your journey from concept to clinic. Contact our team to discuss a tailored solution. 

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