BRF breaks ground for new molecular imaging and therapy center

Cheers erupted Friday afternoon when BRF president and CEO John George used an excavator to begin the demolition of a metal-paneled building to make room for the foundation’s new $14 million Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy.

The new 20,000 square-foot center will be located on a property on Kings Highway near the intersection of Mansfield Road and will serve as a facility to consolidate all the foundation’s radiopharmaceutical operations under one roof.

“The new technology and capabilities of this center will deliver to Shreveport, Bossier, northwest Louisiana and even a three-state area and beyond,” said Gov. John Bell Edwards during the demolition and ground-breaking ceremony on Friday.

“(It) means that people facing a host of serious medical issues, including various types of cancer and neurological diseases; they don’t need to leave this area any more to find the finest molecular imaging, diagnostic and therapeutic treatment available anywhere,” Edwards continued. “That’s what’s coming to this site.”

Project funding, community investment

To the date of the ground-breaking ceremony, approximately $9.2 million of the $14.2 million expansion project has been raised by BRF, its board and leadership. The remaining amount will be raised from both private and public sources.

The State of Louisiana also offered the foundation an incentive package that consists of a $1 million performance-based grant. The grant will offset the costs of medical equipment and building expenses involved with the project.

The five-year project is an essential investment to Shreveport’s “healthcare and development corridor,” according to Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins.

“The market for molecular imaging sciences and radio pharmaceuticals is expected to eclipse $7 billion-dollars by 2024. Today’s announcement ensures that Shreveport is equipped to compete in that market,” Perkins said Friday.

New jobs, collaboration and research opportunities

Twenty-five new jobs will come along with the construction of the new facility, with salaries averaging about $60,000 per year with benefits, Edwards said.

The program, led by Dr. Pradeep K. Garg, is expected to provide more opportunities for research collaborations, to expand clinical trial opportunities for patients,to improve access for referring physicians, to provide earlier diagnosis and modified treatments among other goals.

“Molecular imaging is an invaluable tool that improves disease diagnosis as well as management and treatment of such diseases as cancer, dementias and heart disease,” Garg said.

“Targeted radiopharmaceuticals produced by CMIT will help diagnose diseases more precisely and accurately and will help physicians in choosing more effective treatment options and guide better outcomes for patients,” he continued.

MORE:  BRF: New $14M center 'puts Shreveport on cutting edge'

Emily Enfinger is the breaking news reporter for The Shreveport Times, covering crime and court. Follow her on Twitter at @EmilyEnfinger.