#United States #Alzheimer's #Neuraceq #Life Molecular Imaging #Decatur, IL

Life Molecular Imaging Expands Neuraceq® Production in Decatur, IL

Life Molecular Imaging (LMI), a subsidiary of Lantheus, has announced an exciting development for the healthcare community. As of September 23, 2025, its flagship product, Neuraceq® (florbetaben F-18 injection), is now being produced at SOFIE Biosciences’ radiopharmaceutical manufacturing site in Decatur, Illinois. This initiative aims to broaden access to essential diagnostic tools for the evaluation of Alzheimer’s disease.

Neuraceq® is a FDA-approved radioactive diagnostic drug specifically designed to detect amyloid plaques in the brains of adult patients exhibiting cognitive impairment. This capability is crucial for clinicians who are evaluating patients for Alzheimer's disease and other forms of cognitive decline.

The expansion of Neuraceq® production into Decatur represents a significant stride towards increasing availability for patients and healthcare professionals across Illinois and the broader Midwest region. "This expansion is not just about increasing production capacity; it is about providing critical diagnostic support to physicians and patients navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease," stated Colleen Ruby, US Country Head and COO of LMI. As demand for amyloid PET imaging grows, driven by advancements in anti-amyloid therapies and improved reimbursement pathways, the presence of Neuraceq® in Decatur marks a strategic enhancement of services throughout the Midwest.

William Crisp, Vice President of Operations for SOFIE, further emphasized the importance of this development. He noted that the Decatur location signifies a pivotal investment in the Midwest. It aims to bring crucial radiopharmaceuticals like Neuraceq® closer to communities, ultimately reducing wait times for patients and improving overall patient care.

Understanding Neuraceq®

Neuraceq® serves as a radioactive diagnostic agent utilized in positron emission tomography (PET) scans of the brain. Its primary purpose is to estimate the density of amyloid beta neuritic plaques in adults experiencing cognitive impairment. This assessment is vital for determining the presence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as well as other cognitive impairments, and it also aids in selecting patients for amyloid beta-directed therapy.

Furthermore, healthcare providers should be cognizant of the contraindications, warnings, and potential adverse reactions associated with Neuraceq®. While no absolute contraindications exist, healthcare professionals must be vigilant about the risk of image misinterpretation and the cumulative radiation exposure that could pose long-term risks to patients. Common adverse reactions reported have included injection site pain, erythema, and irritation, all of which underscore the importance of proper administration and patient management.

Life Molecular Imaging remains committed to advancing the field of molecular imaging and improving patient care through innovative diagnostic solutions. With nearly 70 years of experience in the field, Lantheus, its parent company, continues to lead the market in radiopharmaceuticals aimed at enabling clinicians to find, fight, and follow disease, thereby enhancing patient outcomes.

Looking Ahead

The expansion of Neuraceq® production is a significant milestone not just for LMI and SOFIE, but most importantly for patients and healthcare providers facing the challenges of cognitive decline. By ensuring more widespread access to this critical diagnostic tool, LMI is helping to pave the way for early detection and better therapeutic decisions in the management of Alzheimer’s disease. For more information, visit Neuraceq.com.

Through initiatives like this, Life Molecular Imaging is not only reinforcing its commitment to improving diagnostic capabilities but also shining a light on the collective need to enhance patient care in the ever-evolving landscape of neurodegenerative disease treatment.