Good News for Alzheimer’s Care: New Diagnostic Tool Now Made in Shreveport

The Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy (CMIT) in Shreveport has teamed up with a company called Lantheus to start making Neuraceq, a specialized drug used to help doctors detect Alzheimer’s disease.

Previously, these doses had to be shipped in from Texas. By making the drug right here in Shreveport, CMIT is ensuring that patients in North Louisiana and across the Southeast (including Mississippi and Arkansas) have faster, more reliable access to this technology.

What is Neuraceq and how does it work?

Think of Neuraceq as a “high-tech highlighter” for the brain.

  • The Target: It looks for amyloid plaques, which are protein buildups that act as a primary warning sign of Alzheimer’s.
  • The Process: A patient receives an injection of Neuraceq before undergoing a PET scan.
  • The Result: The drug makes these plaques visible on the scan, allowing doctors to see exactly how much “amyloid burden” is in the brain without needing invasive surgery.

Why this matters for patients

Early and accurate diagnosis is becoming more important than ever. Here is why local production is a big deal:

  • Better Access: Local manufacturing means more doses are available for more people.
  • New Treatments: Many of the newest Alzheimer’s medications require proof that these plaques exist before a patient can start treatment. Neuraceq provides that proof.
  • Faster Results: Because CMIT is a “one-stop-shop,” they can manufacture the drug and perform the imaging all in the same building.

“Local production means more availability which will lead to more scans, and hopefully more opportunities to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease early and begin therapies.” — Dr. Stephen Lokitz, CMIT Executive Director.

By the Numbers: CMIT’s Impact

CMIT doesn’t just work with Alzheimer’s; they also use advanced imaging to help treat cancer and heart disease.

  • 300+: The number of Alzheimer’s-related scans CMIT performed in 2025 alone.
  • 4+: The number of states (LA, MS, AR, and beyond) that will now receive this drug from the Shreveport facility.

A Legacy of Research and Innovation

CMIT isn’t new to this field. For nearly 20 years, they have been at the forefront of Alzheimer’s research, working closely with LSU Health Shreveport to test and perfect these brain-imaging tools.

Most recently, CMIT participated in a major national clinical trial called the “New IDEAS” study. This study looked at how specialized brain scans help doctors better diagnose and create treatment plans for people experiencing memory loss, mild confusion, or dementia.

How to Access This Imaging

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of memory loss or dementia, here is what you need to know about getting a Neuraceq scan:

  • Doctor’s Referral Required: You must have a referral from a neurologist or another specialized physician.
  • Who is it for? It is designed for patients who are showing early signs of cognitive decline to help determine if Alzheimer’s is the cause.
  • Next Steps: Talk to your doctor to see if this imaging is right for you, or visit neuraceq.com for more details.

Key Takeaway: By combining decades of research with new local manufacturing, Shreveport is becoming a major hub for families seeking answers and advanced care for Alzheimer’s disease.