<i>In vivo</i> detection of teriflunomide-derived fluorine signal during neuroinflammation using fluorine MR spectroscopy

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is indispensable for diagnosing neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS). MRI also supports decisions regarding the choice of disease-modifying drugs (DMDs). Determining in vivo tissue concentrations DMDs has potential to become an essential clinical tool therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). The aim here was examine feasibility fluorine-19 ((19)F) MR methods detect fluorinated DMD teriflunomide (TF) during normal and pathological conditions. METHODS: We used (19)F spectroscopy TF experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model (MS) vivo. Prior investigations we characterized properties vitro. studied impact pH protein binding well contrast agents. RESULTS: could follow signal over different time points disease. quantified tissues using HPLC/MS showed a significant correlation between ex levels serum signal. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates neuroinflammation It highlights need further technological developments this field. ultimate goal add protocols conventional (1)H practice guide therapy decisions.