On Wednesday the team at BRF  opened the doors to the new Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy.

“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,” said BRF President and CEO Dr. John F. George Jr.

27-years ago, BRF placed Shreveport on the map as a pioneer in molecular imaging by opening Louisiana's first positron emission tomography center. Now years later BRF is once again advancing Shreveport with its new 23,000 square foot Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy.

The construction of this $19.5 million facility was accomplished through the funding by BRF, the State of Louisiana, state and nation organizations, community groups and private donors.

The CMIT facility will provide three key services:

• Clinical services enabling patients to receive the highest quality molecular imaging and therapy care available.

• Manufacturing services providing hospitals and research centers with the most up-to-date radiopharmaceuticals available.

• Basic and preclinical research capabilities and services including personnel and equipment to develop new radiopharmaceuticals and support collaborations with higher education institutions and pharmaceutical companies.

This facility will take the place of three older CMIT facilities, providing upgraded and expanded equipment. Improvements such as these will promote economic development.

"This investment demonstrates, and places Shreveport, Northwest Louisiana, in that top tier of health care providers," said Don Pierson, Louisiana Economic Development Secretary. "So, it really is a fantastic addition."

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Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Shreveport's $19.5 million molecular imaging and therapy center