Definition

A radioconjugate composed of the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) targeting agent florbenazine , a dihydrotetrabenazine analog, labeled with the positron-emitting isotope fluorine F 18, that can potentially be used as a tracer using positron emitting tomography (PET) imaging. Upon administration , florbenazine F-18 binds to VMATs expressed on monoamine neurons and pancreatic beta-cells within the islets of Langerhans. Upon PET imaging, VMAT2-expressing cells can be detected and the level of functional monoamine neurons can be assessed, which can be used in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, this radiotracer can be used to assess the function of pancreatic beta-cells. VMAT2, a transporter that loads monoamine neurotransmitters into secretory vesicles, is expressed on biogenic amine-containing neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) and pancreatic beta cells.