Drug Information Update-FDA approves new diagnostic imaging agent to detect rare neuroendocrine tumors

The Division of Drug Information (DDI)- serving the public by providing information on human drug products and drug product regulation by FDA.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Netspot, the first kit for the preparation of gallium Ga 68 dotatate injection, a radioactive diagnostic agent for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. This radioactive probe will help locate tumors in adult and pediatric patients with the rare condition, somatostatin receptor positive neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).

NETs are rare noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) tumors that develop in the hormone-producing cells of the body’s neuroendocrine system. These cells are found throughout the body in organs, such as the stomach, intestines, pancreas, lungs and other locations. NETs have receptors for somatostatin, a hormone that regulates the endocrine system. Ga 68 dotatate, a positron emitting analogue of somatostatin, works by binding to such receptors.

Netspot is supplied as a sterile, single-dose kit for preparation of Ga 68 dotatate injection for intravenous use. The uptake of Ga 68 dotatate reflects the level of somatostatin receptor density in NETs. This uptake can also be seen in a variety of other tumor types or other pathologic conditions, or might occur as a normal variant. The uptake of Ga 68 dotatate may need to be confirmed by histopathology or other assessments.

Netspot contributes to overall long-term cumulative radiation exposure, and patients should drink and urinate as often as possible during the first hours following administration to help reduce this risk.  No serious adverse reactions have been identified.

For more information, please visit: Netspot.