ImaginAb and Dainippon Seiki have reached a technology agreement pertaining to the development of automated chemistry systems for fluorination of proteins and peptides for diagnostic imaging with PET.

The collaboration between Inglewood, Calif.-based ImaginAb and Kyoto, Japan-based Dainippon Seiki will develop high-throughput fluorination systems suitable for both preclinical and, eventually, clinical use.

"We have seen a significant increase in the interest level in novel peptides and biologics for diagnostic imaging and believe in the commercial importance of automated fluorine chemistry to drive this industry ahead,” said Masayoshi Sugihara, president of Dainippon Seiki.