18F-VM4-037

**18F‑VM4‑037** is a radiolabeled small molecule positron emission tomography (PET) imaging agent designed to target carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), a transmembrane enzyme overexpressed in various solid tumors, particularly under hypoxic conditions. The compound incorporates the radioactive isotope fluorine‑18, enabling visualization of CAIX expression in vivo. Its primary intended use has been for non-invasive imaging and diagnosis of cancers such as clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), where CAIX is a relevant biomarker. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that while 18F‑VM4‑037 is well-tolerated and allows same-day PET/CT imaging, its uptake in primary kidney tumors can be limited by high background activity in normal kidney tissue; however, it may provide clearer visualization of metastatic lesions expressing CAIX[1][5][8]. The drug was developed for diagnostic purposes rather than therapeutic intervention.

Other names

(S)-3-(4-(2-fluoroethoxy)phenyl)-2-((S)-3-methyl-2-(4-(((2-sulfamoylbenzo[d]thiazol-6-yl)oxy)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)butanamido)propanoic acid