Algernon Health (CSE:AGN, OTCQB:AGNPF, FRA:AGW0) announced that it will open its first US brain-dedicated positron emission tomography (PET) scanning clinic at the HCA Florida University Medical Office Building in Davie, on the campus of HCA Florida University Hospital.
The company, through its wholly owned subsidiary Algernon USA LLC, has signed a five-year lease for the site with an option to renew for an additional five years. It said the Davie location will serve as its flagship clinic, with plans to establish multiple sites across the United States.
According to the company, the facility will focus on brain PET imaging to support the detection and management of neurological conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of dementia, epilepsy, neuro-oncology conditions and movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
PET scans used to detect beta-amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurers for patients aged 65 and older.
The clinic will use the US Food and Drug Administration-cleared CareMiBrain system, a standalone PET scanner that does not require an integrated CT component. Algernon said this design reduces radiation exposure by up to 25% compared with conventional PET/CT systems while maintaining image quality.
The company also pointed to growing demand for diagnostic imaging linked to recently approved Alzheimer’s treatments, including Leqembi and Kisunla, which require confirmation of beta-amyloid presence through a brain scan or spinal tap prior to treatment.
Algernon highlighted that existing PET/CT capacity in the US is largely allocated to oncology and cardiac imaging, which can limit access to brain-specific scans.
“We are very pleased to be opening our first neuroimaging clinic in a brand-new suite at the HCA Florida University Medical Office Building,” Algernon CEO Christopher Moreau said in a statement.
“We look forward to delivering the highest level of care possible to our patients in Florida, as part of a professional healthcare community that is dedicated to medical excellence.”
As part of its commercial strategy, the company said it will work with neurologists, geriatricians and primary care providers to generate referrals, while also targeting consumers aged 50 and older with information on early detection and diagnostic options, including cognitive and biomarker testing.
The Davie location is situated in Broward County, within a 60-mile radius population of more than 6.4 million people, including about 2.5 million aged 50 and above, the company said.
Algernon previously entered into an equipment order and financing agreement with Catalyst MedTech for four CareMiBrain systems for its initial clinics, with an option to acquire six additional units for future expansion.
The company said it will provide further details on the clinic’s opening timeline and when it will begin accepting patient referrals.