Prof. Dr. Subhani Okarvi | Molecular Imaging | Innovative Research Award

Prof. Dr. Subhani Okarvi, KFSHRC, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Subhani Mohammad Okarvi is a distinguished Senior Medical Scientist and Section Head of the Cyclotron and Radiopharmaceuticals Department at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. With over three decades of expertise in radiopharmaceutical sciences, Dr. Okarvi has significantly contributed to the design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel radiolabeled peptides for cancer diagnostics and therapy. His pioneering research focuses on developing peptide-based agents labeled with radionuclides like ⁶⁸Ga, ¹⁷⁷Lu, and ⁸⁹Zr, which aid in targeting tumors such as breast and ovarian cancers. Dr. Okarvi is internationally recognized through numerous publications and collaborative efforts that enhance nuclear medicine applications in oncology. His commitment to translational research and quality control in clinical radiopharmaceutical production makes him an invaluable asset to the scientific community.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

1. Pioneering Research in Radiopharmaceuticals
   Dr. Okarvi has made significant and sustained contributions to the field of radiopharmaceutical sciences, particularly in the development of peptide-based radiotracers for cancer imaging and therapy.

2. Innovation in Peptide Engineering
   He has developed and evaluated numerous novel radiolabeled peptides, including agents targeting estrogen receptors, Mucin1, Folate receptors, and integrins, demonstrating originality in design and clinical relevance.

3. Multidisciplinary Integration
   His work intersects medicinal chemistry, molecular biology, and nuclear medicine, showing strong translational value from bench to bedside.

4. High-Impact Publications
   With over 15 peer-reviewed journal articles (many in leading journals such as EJNMMI Radiopharmacy and Chemistry, Cancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals, and Molecules), his research is widely recognized and cited.

5. Leadership in Clinical Translation
   At King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, he leads the production and quality control of clinically used radiopharmaceuticals (⁹⁹ᵐTc, ⁶⁸Ga, ¹⁷⁷Lu, ⁸⁹Zr), reflecting real-world healthcare impact.

6. International Recognition
   His fellowships from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven and the Alberta Cancer Board, and his collaborative work across borders, reflect international appreciation of his contributions.

Areas for Improvement:

1. Patent & Commercialization Activity
   While Dr. Okarvi’s research has strong translational potential, more structured efforts in patenting and commercializing his peptide constructs would broaden their impact.

2. Broader Interdisciplinary Outreach
   Collaborations with AI, data science, and theranostic platforms could elevate the reach of his innovations in the next phase of precision medicine.

3. Global Thought Leadership
   Increased participation as a keynote speaker, panelist, or editorial board member in international forums would boost his visibility and influence within the scientific community.

Education:

Dr. Subhani M. Okarvi’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s in General Sciences (1984) and Pharmacy (1986) from the University of Karachi, Pakistan. He further pursued advanced studies in Europe, completing his Master of Science (1989) and Ph.D. (1992) in Radiopharmaceutical Sciences from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium—one of Europe’s premier research institutions. His graduate and doctoral research provided a strong foundation in the synthesis, radiolabeling, and biological evaluation of peptide-based radiopharmaceuticals. This multidisciplinary training combined pharmaceutical chemistry, radiochemistry, and nuclear medicine, equipping Dr. Okarvi with the tools needed to develop innovative diagnostic and therapeutic agents for oncology. His robust educational background reflects both academic excellence and deep specialization in a critical niche of medical science.

Experience:

Since 1999, Dr. Subhani M. Okarvi has served as Senior Medical Scientist and Section Head at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre’s Cyclotron and Radiopharmaceuticals Department. He leads efforts in the synthesis, radiochemical processing, and preclinical evaluation of novel radiopharmaceuticals targeting breast, ovarian, and other cancers. His role includes supervising the production and quality control of radiotracers such as ⁹⁹ᵐTc, ⁶⁸Ga, ¹⁷⁷Lu, and ⁸⁹Zr for clinical use. Dr. Okarvi’s leadership extends to mentoring junior scientists and fostering research collaborations. His expertise spans in vitro and in vivo assays, solid-phase peptide synthesis, and regulatory aspects of radiopharmaceutical development. His work bridges the gap between laboratory innovation and bedside application, making him instrumental in advancing nuclear medicine practices in Saudi Arabia and globally.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Subhani M. Okarvi has earned several prestigious awards and fellowships in recognition of his scientific excellence. During his doctoral studies at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, he was awarded the Onderzoeksfonds Postgraduate Fellowship (1990–1992), a testament to his promising research trajectory. He later received the Alberta Cancer Board Fellowship (1995–1998), supporting his oncology-focused research in Canada. In 1997, he was honored with a Travel Grant from the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, enabling international scientific exchange. These accolades highlight both his academic merit and the translational relevance of his work. His contributions continue to impact radiopharmaceutical science through groundbreaking cancer imaging and therapy innovations. These awards underscore his dedication, influence, and continued pursuit of scientific advancement in nuclear medicine.

Research Focus:

Dr. Subhani Okarvi’s research focuses on the development of novel peptide-based radiopharmaceuticals for molecular imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy. He specializes in synthesizing and radiolabeling biomolecules with isotopes such as ⁶⁸Ga, ¹⁷⁷Lu, ¹⁸F, and ⁸⁹Zr for the detection and treatment of breast, ovarian, and hypoxic tumors. His studies aim to improve the precision of PET and SPECT imaging by targeting biomarkers like estrogen receptors, Mucin1, folate receptors, and integrins. His research combines chemistry, pharmacology, and imaging sciences, leading to multiple high-impact publications and promising preclinical candidates. Dr. Okarvi is particularly invested in hybrid peptide constructs and solid-phase synthesis methods that enhance binding affinity, tumor selectivity, and in vivo stability. His work has a strong translational focus—moving lab discoveries to clinical applications. The ultimate goal is to improve early cancer diagnosis and personalize therapy using cutting-edge radiopharmaceuticals.

Publications Top Notes:

1. 🧪 Solid-phase synthesis and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of novel Estradiol derivatives for targeting estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer (2025 – Manuscript Ready)

2. 🧬 Preparation and preclinical evaluation of ¹⁸F-labeled folate-RGD conjugate for PET imaging of triple-negative breast carcinoma (2024 – Submitted)

3. 🧠 Synthesis and preclinical evaluation of ⁸⁹Zr-labeled Angiotensin peptide as a breast cancer imaging agent (2024 – Abstract, Eur. J. Nucl. Med.)

4. 🔬 Preparation, radiolabeling with ⁶⁸Ga/¹⁷⁷Lu and preclinical evaluation of novel Angiotensin peptide analog for breast cancer targeting (2023 – Pharmaceuticals)

5. ❤️‍🔥 Development of new ⁶⁴Cu-labeled Rhodamine: A potential PET myocardial perfusion imaging agent (2022 – EJNMMI Radiopharmacy)

6. 🎯 Synthesis, radiolabeling and preclinical evaluation of ⁶⁸Ga/¹⁷⁷Lu-labeled Leuprolide peptide analog for breast cancer detection (2022 – Cancer Biother. & Radiopharm.)

7. 🌫️ Synthesis and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a new ⁶⁴Cu-semicarbazone complex for hypoxic tumors (2022 – Abstract)

8. 👩‍⚕️ Synthesis, radiolabeling and biological evaluation of ⁶⁸Ga-Mucin1 and folate hybrid peptide conjugates for ovarian cancer diagnosis (2021 – Journal of Chemistry)

9. 🧬 Fast ¹⁸F labeling and preclinical evaluation of Mucin1-Folate hybrid peptide conjugate for targeting breast carcinoma (2021 – EJNMMI Radiopharmacy)

10. 🧪 Preclinical evaluation of ⁶⁸Ga-NODAGA-MUC1 and its folate hybrid conjugates for breast/ovarian cancer imaging (2021 – Abstract)

Conclusion:

Dr. Subhani Mohammad Okarvi is highly suitable and strongly recommended for the Innovative Research Award.

His research in novel radiopharmaceuticals has demonstrated:

• Significant scientific originality

• Clear translational impact in nuclear medicine

• Consistent academic excellence

• Strong leadership in clinical application

With over three decades of focused, cutting-edge work in cancer-targeting agents, he exemplifies the kind of innovator the award aims to recognize. Continued support and recognition will further empower his efforts to advance personalized cancer diagnostics and therapy.