Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB)

Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB) is a specially designed dye used in medical imaging to detect amyloid plaques, which are abnormal protein buildups associated with Alzheimer’s disease. When injected into the bloodstream, PiB binds specifically to these plaques in the brain. Using a positron emission tomography (PET) scan, doctors can then visualize and measure the amount of amyloid accumulation, aiding in early diagnosis and research of Alzheimer’s. PiB does not treat the disease; it helps researchers and clinicians understand the extent of amyloid presence in the brain.