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Tau PET scan using MK-6240
MK-6240 is a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent that binds to tau protein aggregates in the brain to visualize tau pathology.
MK-6240 is a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent that binds to tau protein aggregates in the brain to visualize tau pathology. Used for Tau PET imaging in Alzheimer's disease, Tau PET imaging in other tauopathies and neurodegenerative diseases.
At a glance
| Generic name | Tau PET scan using MK-6240 |
|---|---|
| Also known as | tau PET |
| Sponsor | University of California, Irvine |
| Drug class | PET imaging agent |
| Target | Tau protein (paired helical filaments) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
MK-6240 is a tau-targeted PET tracer that crosses the blood-brain barrier and selectively binds to pathological tau deposits, particularly paired helical filaments found in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies. The radioactive fluorine-18 label allows quantitative visualization and measurement of tau burden in the brain using PET imaging, enabling non-invasive assessment of neurodegeneration.
Approved indications
- Tau PET imaging in Alzheimer's disease
- Tau PET imaging in other tauopathies and neurodegenerative diseases
Common side effects
- Radiation exposure (minimal from diagnostic dose)
- Injection site reactions
Key clinical trials
- Development of a Database to Investigate Digital and Blood-Based Biomarkers and Their Relationship to Tau and Amyloid PET Imaging in Older Participants Who Are Cognitively Normal (CN), Have Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), or Have Mild-to-Moderate AD Dementia
- Biomarker Exploration in Aging, Cognition and Neurodegeneration (PHASE3)
- Neuronavigation-guided FUS-induced BBB Opening in Alzheimer's Disease Patients and Its Effects on Brain Amyloid and Tau (PHASE1)
- Phase 1 Evaluation of [18F]MK-6240 PET as an Imaging Marker for Tau Protein (EARLY_PHASE1)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Tau PET scan using MK-6240 CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Tau PET scan using MK-6240 updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of California, Irvine portfolio CI