Grey Matters Health (CSE:GREY, OTCQB:AGNPD, FRA:AGW0) announced that it has taken delivery of its first brain-dedicated positron emission tomography (PET) scanner for its NovaScan Neuroimaging Clinics flagship location in Davie, Florida, as the company prepares to open what it says will be the first US clinic focused exclusively on brain-only PET imaging.
The company said the clinic will provide brain PET scans to support the early detection of Alzheimer's disease through beta-amyloid imaging, while also offering imaging services for other neurodegenerative conditions.
The facility will be equipped with the US Food and Drug Administration-cleared CareMiBrain PET Brain Scanning System, a brain-dedicated scanner that does not require an integrated computed tomography (CT) component. According to the company, the system delivers high-quality brain images while reducing patient radiation exposure by approximately 25% compared with PET/CT systems. Grey Matters also said the chair-style design is intended to improve patient comfort by allowing scans to be performed while seated rather than lying down.
Brain PET scans for beta-amyloid plaque detection are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance for eligible patients aged 65 and older.
"Taking delivery of our first brain dedicated PET scanner is a tremendous milestone for the company," Grey Matters CEO Christopher J. Moreau said in a statement.
"We look forward to launching our flagship location in Florida, which will be the first of many neuroimaging clinics we plan to open across the US featuring this revolutionary new technology."
The clinic will be located at the HCA Florida University Medical Office Building on the campus of HCA Florida University Hospital in Davie. In addition to Alzheimer's disease imaging, the CareMiBrain system will be used for imaging related to frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia and selected neuro-oncology applications.
Grey Matters highlighted that recent FDA approvals of Alzheimer's disease treatments Leqembi, developed by Eisai and Biogen, and Kisunla, developed by Eli Lilly, have increased demand for beta-amyloid imaging because patients generally require a positive beta-amyloid brain scan or spinal tap before becoming eligible for treatment. The company added that follow-up brain PET scans are also used to monitor patients receiving these therapies.
The company said the existing supply of PET/CT scanners in the United States is largely dedicated to cancer and cardiac imaging, creating limited availability for brain-specific scans.
Grey Matters is continuing preparations for the clinic's opening, including obtaining the required licences, completing construction and installing operational systems. The company said it will provide an update on the clinic's official opening date and the start of patient referrals at a later date.