SHREVEPORT, La. — The Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy (CMIT), a subsidiary of BRF, announced a collaboration with Lantheus to begin manufacturing the radiopharmaceutical Neuraceq in Shreveport, expanding regional access to Alzheimer’s disease diagnostic imaging.
Neuraceq, also known as florbetaben F18 injection, is used with positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to detect amyloid plaques in the brain, a marker associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The imaging agent is used to help diagnose the disease and determine eligibility for amyloid-targeting therapies.
CMIT said it previously relied on doses shipped from radiopharmacies in Texas to conduct scans. By producing the drug locally, the organization expects to increase access for patients in North Louisiana and distribute the product throughout the southeastern United States, including Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas.
The center conducts PET imaging for cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease. CMIT said it completed more than 300 Neuraceq scans in 2025 related to potential Alzheimer’s diagnoses.
“Manufacturing Neuraceq in Shreveport is an important advancement for patients in our region,” said Dr. Stephen Lokitz, executive director of CMIT. “Local production means more availability which will lead to more scans, and hopefully more opportunities to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease early and begin therapies.”
Lokitz said CMIT will manufacture the drug and perform imaging on-site, continuing what the organization describes as its “one-stop-shop” model for radiopharmaceutical production and imaging services.
CMIT said it has participated in Alzheimer’s imaging research for nearly two decades, including collaborations with LSU Health Shreveport on amyloid radiopharmaceutical validation and participation in the New IDEAS clinical trial conducted by the Alzheimer’s Association and the American College of Radiology. The study examined how PET amyloid scans could improve diagnosis and treatment decisions for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Neuraceq imaging requires a physician referral and is intended for patients experiencing symptoms of dementia or memory loss.
CMIT is a molecular imaging and therapy research center based in Shreveport that focuses on PET imaging, radiopharmaceutical manufacturing and clinical research. BRF, also headquartered in Shreveport, is an economic development organization focused on supporting science and technology-driven business growth in North Louisiana.