A new $19.5M, 23K square-foot Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy (CMIT) facility officially opened its doors in Shreveport on Wednesday, bringing to fruition a milestone project in the ongoing expansion of Louisiana’s life sciences sector.
The new CMIT facility adds new state-of-the-art equipment and consolidates research, radiopharmaceutical manufacturing and patient care under one roof in Shreveport’s InterTech Science Park. The project, which is expected to result in 25 direct new jobs in the Northwest Region over the next five years, is the result of a partnership among the North Louisiana economic development organization BRF, the State of Louisiana, private donors, state and national partners, and community groups.
“The new Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy is the culmination of years of hard work, collaboration and a commitment to give Louisiana residents access to the most advanced medical care available,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “I congratulate BRF for realizing a vision that puts Shreveport at the forefront of medical research. This is a landmark moment for Louisiana’s life sciences industry, and for Louisiana residents confronting a wide range of serious health challenges.”
The new CMIT will house state-of-the-art cyclotron and radiochemistry laboratories, as well as preclinical and clinical facilities that will help to expand molecular imaging and therapy care for a variety of oncological, neurological and cardiological conditions.
“With the new CMIT, Louisiana residents will have access to the most advanced molecular imaging and therapy care so they do not have to travel out of state,” BRF President and CEO Dr. John F. George Jr. said. “The scientists and researchers at this facility, and at collaborating educational institutions and pharmaceutical companies, will be able to perform life-saving research, produce life-saving radiopharmaceuticals and perform cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic imaging for area patients and for those in the state and beyond.”
BRF’s history of medical innovation dates back to 1995, when it opened Louisiana’s first positron emission tomography (PET) center. That facility provided thousands of patients diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, distributed more than 188,000 radiopharmaceutical doses, and provided more than $30 million in free care to indigent and uninsured patients. The new CMIT is a continuation of BRF’s mission to provide the latest technology and services to patients regardless of their ability to pay.
“The new Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy will enhance Louisiana’s position in the increasingly competitive life sciences sector by attracting contracts from out-of-state entities that drive revenue streams and create high-paying jobs,” Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson said. “I congratulate BRF on advancing molecular imaging care for Louisiana patients while promoting the kind of groundbreaking research and collaboration that the healthcare industry has come to expect from our state.”
Read more about bioscience innovation and investment across the state at LouisianaLifeSciences.com.
About CMIT
The Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy (CMIT) was established as a comprehensive facility to leverage the strengths of the existing PET Imaging Center and Southern Isotopes into a research organization focusing on molecular imaging and therapy. CMIT develops novel radiopharmaceuticals for improved imaging and therapy while working with researchers, doctors and pharmaceutical companies. For more information, visit cmitla.org
About LED
Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for strengthening the state’s business environment and creating a more vibrant Louisiana economy. It is the only state agency in the U.S. accredited by the International Economic Development Council, boasting a wide range of award-winning programs and projects routinely ranked among the nation’s best. In 2021, LED attracted 64 new economic development projects representing over 18,100 new direct and indirect jobs, 9,700 retained jobs and more than $20.5 billion in new capital investment. Explore how LED cultivates jobs and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana, and promotes business opportunity for employers of all sizes at OpportunityLouisiana.com.
LED Media Contacts:
Mark Lorando, Communications Director
Mark.Lorando@la.gov
225.342.3437
Ron Thibodeaux, Press Secretary
Ron.Thibodeaux@la.gov
225.342.5145
BRF Media Contact:
Courtney Bryan, PR Manager
courtney.bryan@brfla.org
318.716.4115