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PET/CT with 18F-DOPA

Central Hospital, Nancy, France · Phase 3 active Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026

PET/CT with 18F-DOPA is a PET imaging agent Small molecule drug developed by Central Hospital, Nancy, France. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Parkinson's disease and parkinsonian syndromes (differential diagnosis), Neuroendocrine tumors (carcinoid, pheochromocytoma), Movement disorders with suspected dopaminergic dysfunction.

18F-DOPA is a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer that accumulates in dopamine-producing tissues, allowing visualization and quantification of dopaminergic function in the brain.

PET/CT with 18F-DOPA is a medical imaging technique used to study various conditions, including Parkinson's disease, brain metastases, radiation necrosis, neuroendocrine tumors, and glioma. This technique involves the use of a protein-targeting modality, specifically [18F]-DOPA, which binds to proteins in the body, allowing for the visualization of certain conditions through PET-CT imaging.

Likelihood of approval
61.3% vs 58.3% industry baseline
If approved by FDA: likely 2028–2030
Steps remaining: NDA/BLA submission
Confidence: High
Why this estimate
  • Baseline phase 3 → approval rate +58.3pp
    Industry-wide phase 3 drugs reach approval ~58.3% of the time (BIO/Informa 2023 industry benchmark across all therapeutic areas).
  • Oncology Phase 3 boost +3.0pp
    Oncology Phase 3 trials have higher approval rates (~61%) than the cross-industry average due to clearer endpoints and FDA oncology pathway.
Predicted approval windows by jurisdiction (conditional on FDA approval)
Regulator Country Likely year Lag vs FDA
FDA US 2028–2030
EMA EU 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
MHRA GB 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
Health Canada CA 2029–2032 +0.9 yr
TGA AU 2029–2032 +1.2 yr
PMDA JP 2029–2032 +1.5 yr
NMPA CN 2030–2033 +2.3 yr
MFDS KR 2029–2032 +1.4 yr
CDSCO IN 2029–2033 +1.8 yr
ANVISA BR 2030–2033 +2.3 yr

Hover any row for the lag rationale. Lag estimates are reduced when the drug has FDA Breakthrough or EMA PRIME designation (sponsors file globally in parallel).

Estimate based on the BIO/Informa industry phase transition rates plus per-drug modifiers for therapeutic area, sponsor type, FDA designations, mechanism, and trial design. Per-jurisdiction lags from Tufts CSDD international approval studies. Not investment, clinical or regulatory advice. Methodology: /methodology#likelihood.

At a glance

Generic namePET/CT with 18F-DOPA
SponsorCentral Hospital, Nancy, France
Drug classPET imaging agent
TargetDopaminergic neurons; aromatic amino acid decarboxylase
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaNeurology; Oncology (neuroendocrine tumors)
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

18F-DOPA (fluorine-18 L-DOPA) is a radiolabeled amino acid precursor of dopamine that crosses the blood-brain barrier and is taken up by dopaminergic neurons via the large neutral amino acid transporter. Once internalized, it is converted to 18F-dopamine by aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, allowing PET/CT imaging to detect and measure dopaminergic neuron integrity and function. This enables diagnostic assessment of conditions affecting the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

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Frequently asked questions about PET/CT with 18F-DOPA

What is PET/CT with 18F-DOPA?

PET/CT with 18F-DOPA is a PET imaging agent drug developed by Central Hospital, Nancy, France, indicated for Parkinson's disease and parkinsonian syndromes (differential diagnosis), Neuroendocrine tumors (carcinoid, pheochromocytoma), Movement disorders with suspected dopaminergic dysfunction.

How does PET/CT with 18F-DOPA work?

18F-DOPA is a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer that accumulates in dopamine-producing tissues, allowing visualization and quantification of dopaminergic function in the brain.

What is PET/CT with 18F-DOPA used for?

PET/CT with 18F-DOPA is indicated for Parkinson's disease and parkinsonian syndromes (differential diagnosis), Neuroendocrine tumors (carcinoid, pheochromocytoma), Movement disorders with suspected dopaminergic dysfunction.

Who makes PET/CT with 18F-DOPA?

PET/CT with 18F-DOPA is developed by Central Hospital, Nancy, France (see full Central Hospital, Nancy, France pipeline at /company/central-hospital-nancy-france).

What drug class is PET/CT with 18F-DOPA in?

PET/CT with 18F-DOPA belongs to the PET imaging agent class. See all PET imaging agent drugs at /class/pet-imaging-agent.

What development phase is PET/CT with 18F-DOPA in?

PET/CT with 18F-DOPA is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of PET/CT with 18F-DOPA?

Common side effects of PET/CT with 18F-DOPA include Radiation exposure, Allergic reaction to tracer.

What does PET/CT with 18F-DOPA target?

PET/CT with 18F-DOPA targets Dopaminergic neurons; aromatic amino acid decarboxylase and is a PET imaging agent.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing