iodofiltic acid I-123

Iodofiltic acid I-123, also known by the brand name Zemiva, is a radiolabeled fatty acid analog used as a diagnostic imaging agent for Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT). It is a beta-methyl-branched fatty acid (BMIPP) labeled with the radioisotope iodine-123, designed to evaluate myocardial fatty acid metabolism. In a healthy heart, long-chain fatty acids are the primary energy source; however, in ischemic or "stunned" myocardium, fatty acid metabolism is significantly impaired—a phenomenon known as "ischemic memory." Because iodofiltic acid I-123 is taken up by cardiomyocytes but metabolized slowly due to its methyl branching, it allows clinicians to visualize metabolic abnormalities even after blood flow has been restored. This makes it particularly useful for identifying patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in emergency settings. The agent was developed by Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals and reached Phase 2 clinical trials before the company shifted its strategic focus toward oncology.

Brand names

Zemiva

Other names

iodofiltic acid123I-BMIPP[123I]-BMIPPB-methyl-P-(123I)-iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid15-(p-iodophenyl)-3-R,S-methylpentadecanoic acid