The Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (KIRAMS) had developed a radiopharmaceutical called Zr-89 Oxalate, which selectively shows internal inflammation. 

For image diagnosis, contrast agents are used to enhance the contrast of structures or fluids within the body for better visibility. The most widely used contrast agent is [F-18]FDG, or fludeoxyglucose F 18. But it has been difficult to differentiate tumors from inflammation using [F-18]FDG. 

However, the new Zr-89 Oxalate was proven to be more effective in discovering inflammation than tumors, because the agent enters more into inflamed cells than tumor cells. Furthermore, by using Zr-89 Oxalate it is possible to discover the area with rheumatoid arthritis, which existing contrast agents could not. 

The pharmaceutical was made with Zr-89, a radioisotope produced by the institute’s medical cyclotron, a type of particle accelerator. A medical cyclotron is a circular electromagnetic device, used to accelerate particles, such as protons, heavy hydrogen, and helium, to produce radioisotopes.

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Source: The Korea Bizwire