Radioactive synthesis of tau PET imaging agent 18F-AV-1451 and its role in monitoring the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and supporting differential diagnosis

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is on the rise all over the world, and brings with it great challenges to medical care and heavy burdens to family and society. Accurate diagnosis and differential diagnosis are of great importance. Tau positron emission tomography (PET) might offer novel insights and be of great assistance in monitoring disease progression and supporting the differential diagnosis. 18 F-AV-1451, as the first Tau PET imaging agent approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has been of great potential in clinical trials. Here, we reviewed the synthesis and characteristics of 18 F-AV-1451 and its role in monitoring AD progression and supporting the differential diagnosis.