Automated production of copper radioisotopes and preparation of high specific activity [64Cu]Cu-ATSM for PET studies

60Cu and 64Cu are useful radioisotopes for positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceuticals and may be used for the preparation of promising agents for diagnosis and radiotherapy. In this study, the production and purification of 60/64Cu starting from 60/64Ni using a new automated system, namely Alceo, is described. A dynamic process for electrodeposition and dissolution of 60/64Ni/60/64Cu was developed. Preliminary production yields of 60Cu and 64Cu were 400 and 300 mCi, respectively. 64Cu was used to radiolabel the hypoxia detection tracer ATSM with a specific activity of 2.2±1.3 Ci/μmol.