Algernon Pharmaceuticals to Launch Alzheimer's-Focused Imaging Center Chain in the U.S.
A Canadian pharmaceutical company has announced plans to establish a new chain of imaging centers in the United States, focusing on Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and treatment.
Vancouver-based Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. intends to open both company-owned clinics and offer franchise licenses. This strategy aims to facilitate rapid expansion across Canada, Florida, Los Angeles, and five additional strategic cities in the U.S.
To support this initiative, Algernon is acquiring NoBrainer Imaging Centers Inc., a small Canadian firm. The forthcoming outpatient clinics will provide infusion services for Alzheimer's medications, including Kisunla and Leqembi, alongside positron emission tomography (PET) scans to detect amyloid plaques, a key indicator of Alzheimer's disease.
"The concept of building Alzheimer’s disease-focused diagnostic and treatment clinics that offer a comprehensive package of medical services—including AD screening, brain specific PET scan imaging, and multiple treatment options—is a unique and exciting approach to help fight this devastating disease," said Christopher J. Moreau, CEO of Algernon Pharmaceuticals, in a May 13 announcement. "This acquisition marks a transformative step for Algernon to become a comprehensive global healthcare partner in the battle against Alzheimer’s disease and related cognitive disorders, while strengthening the company’s valuation."
Algernon plans to inaugurate its first flagship Alzheimer's clinic in Florida during the fourth quarter of 2025. Following this, the company aims to establish an additional 10 company-owned sites in 2026, along with 10 franchised locations in yet-to-be-announced cities and states.
The clinics will utilize the NeuroLF, a specialized brain PET system developed by Swiss company Positrigo, which received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last year. Algernon described the technology as "ultracompact," integrated into a "comfortable, dental-styled, clinical chair that can perform the same brain scanning functions of traditional PET scanners in hospitals." Additionally, the centers will offer services such as genetic screening, cognitive function assessments, blood testing, and nutrition and wellness counseling. Before initiating Alzheimer's treatment, patients will undergo a confirmatory test for amyloid plaques, either through PET imaging or a spinal tap.
Founded in 2015, Algernon Pharmaceuticals specializes in developing new therapeutic applications for existing drugs, often focusing on products approved in other markets but not yet introduced in the U.S. or Europe. The company's leadership stated that this new imaging venture aims to generate "near term cash flow and profitability" by addressing the increasing demand for PET imaging. Algernon will also continue its current drug development programs, including efforts to restore brain function following strokes or traumatic injuries.
In the United States alone, approximately 7 million individuals are living with Alzheimer's disease, a figure projected to nearly double by 2050, according to the Alzheimer's Association. This anticipated increase underscores the need for millions of PET scans to diagnose and monitor the disease. Furthermore, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in 2023 removed a policy that previously limited Alzheimer's patients to a single beta-amyloid PET scan per lifetime, significantly expanding the potential market for these imaging services.