Positron Emission Tomography in Drug Development

Central nervous system (CNS) drug development poses some unique challenges for drug developers in terms of drug delivery, assessment of target engagement, and observation of drug’s pharmacological effects. These challenges are reflected in the huge costs and the high attrition rates of CNS drugs. Positron emission tomography (PET) has become an indispensable tool in the development of drugs for CNS disorders. PET imaging allows developers to measure tissue exposure, target engagement, and pharmacological activity, providing development teams with a clear strategy to establish the “three pillars of survival” and allowing them to make crucial decisions about their drug progression. This chapter will focus on each of the three “pillars” and how PET imaging can support CNS drug development.