Background: Copper-64 (T_1/2=12.7 h) is an important radionuclide used both in PET imaging and therapy. [⁶⁴Cu]-pyruvaldehyde-bis (N⁴-methylthiosemicarbazone) ([⁶⁴Cu]-PTSM) is one of the most famous copper radiopharmaceuticals with unique specifications (suitable half life,
stability, etc.). The wide range of ⁶⁴Cu applications arouse great interest for its production.

Materials and Methods: Cu-64 was produced via the ⁶⁸Zn (p, α n) ⁶⁴Cu nuclear reaction and isolated from the irradiated target by a two-step chemical method. [⁶⁴Cu]-PTSM was prepared using in-house made PTSM ligand and [⁶⁴Cu] cuprous acetate. The complex formation parameter s (time, temperature, concentration and elution methods) were determined carefully.

Results: Copper-64 was prepared in chloride form (≈200 mCi, >95% chemical yield at 180 μA for 1.1 h irradiation, radionuclidic purity >96%, copper-67 as impurity). The solution of ⁶⁴Cu-PTSM was prepared in >80% radiochemical yield and more than 98% radiochemical purity. Quality controls and stability tests were performed for the final solution.

Conclusion: [⁶⁴Cu]-PTSM was prepared at the radiopharmaceutical scales with high quality and potential to be used in therapeutic/imaging centers. Iran . J. Radiat. Res., 2004; 2 (3): 107-115