Tricatecholamide analogs of enterobactin as gallium- and indium-binding radiopharmaceuticals.

Isopropyl N-substituted tricatecholamide analogs of enterobactin have been found to form gallium and indium complexes with very high stability constants and to exhibit in vivo characteristics significantly different from gallium- or indium-transferrin and EDTA. The 3,4-DiP-LICAMS and TiP-MECAMS complexes were found to clear primarily through the kidneys, whereas the less polar 3,4-DiP-LICAM complex was eliminated through the liver. The rationale for developing new metal-binding analogs with larger organic groups attached to the amide nitrogens is discussed.