Synthesis and preliminary evaluation of a new fluorine-18 labelled triazine derivative for PET imaging of cannabinoid CB2 receptor

Cannabinoid CB2 PET tracers are considered as a promising alternative to PBR/TSPO tracers for the in-vivo imaging of neuroinflammation. We describe here the synthesis and characterization of compound 3, a new potent and brain penetrating CB2 ligand based on an original triazine template. The PET tracer [18F]-dideutero-3 was prepared in a three steps radiosynthesis, and demonstrated significant uptake in rhesus macaque and baboon brain with a maximum SUV of about 0.7-0.9 g/mL, followed by a moderate washout over time.