FosforinV

FosforinV is a synthetic organophosphorus compound identified in the early 2020s during a screening of new agents for biomedical imaging. It consists of a central phosphorus atom bonded to a biphenyl ring, a fluorinated heterocycle, and a morpholine moiety that confers water solubility. The compound adopts a tetrahedral coordination geometry and is stable at physiological pH, exhibiting a half‑life of roughly 12 hours in plasma.

The primary application of fosforinV has been in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of neuroinflammation. Radiolabeling with fluorine‑18 produces a radiotracer termed 18F‑fosforinV that binds with high affinity to the translocator protein (TSPO), a marker of activated microglia. Preclinical studies in rodent models of multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury have shown clear uptake in inflamed regions, allowing researchers to noninvasively quantify neuroinflammatory burden over time.

Beyond imaging, fosforinV has been investigated as a modulator of signaling pathways involved in cellular apoptosis. In vitro assays demonstrate that the compound can inhibit the phosphatidylserine exposure on apoptotic cells, suggesting a potential therapeutic role in mitigating tissue damage during ischemic events. However, its clinical safety profile remains under evaluation, with ongoing toxicology studies to assess off‑target effects.

Efforts to improve the pharmacokinetics of fosforinV include developing prodrug derivatives that release the active agent in situ. Moreover, research into structure‑activity relationships has identified key functional groups that enhance binding to the TSPO binding pocket. As of 2026, fosforinV remains a promising candidate for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications, with several preclinical trials and early‑phase human studies projected for the coming years.