alpha-methyl-4-deoxy-4-[(18)F]fluoro-D-glucopyranoside

Alpha-methyl-4-deoxy-4-[(18)F]fluoro-D-glucopyranoside (Me‑4FDG) is a radiopharmaceutical PET imaging agent. It is a glucose analog labeled with the positron-emitting isotope fluorine F‑18 and acts as a sodium-dependent glucose transporter (SGLT1 and SGLT2)-specific tracer. Upon administration, it is selectively taken up by SGLT-expressing cells—especially tumor cells that overexpress SGLTs—and can be visualized using PET imaging for tumor detection and staging. Unlike other glucose tracers such as FDG that are transported by GLUTs (glucose uniporters), Me‑4FDG is not transported by GLUTs but specifically targets SGLTs. This selectivity allows for the assessment of sugar uptake via sodium-dependent transport in tissues such as tumors or kidneys[1][2][3]. The compound has been investigated in clinical trials for early diagnosis of lung cancer and to monitor response to sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor therapy in type 2 diabetes[1][9].

Other names

methyl 4-deoxy-4-fluoro-alpha-D-glucopyranoside F-18methyl4-deoxy-4-fluoro-alpha-D-glucopyranoside F-18methyl-4-deoxy-4-fluoro-alpha-D-glucopyranoside F-18alpha-methyl-4-[F-18]-fluoro-4-deoxy-d-glucopyranoside(2S,3R,4R,5S,6R)-5-(Fluoro‑18F)-6-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methoxytetrahydro‑2H-pyran‑3,4-diol