Breakthrough Brain PET System Aids Diagnosis of Neurological Disorders

By MedImaging International staff writers
Posted on 17 Jul 2024

Image: The NeuroLF ultra-compact brain Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner (Photo courtesy of Positrigo)

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent type of dementia, representing approximately 70% of all dementia cases in individuals over 60 years of age. As of 2020, there were more than 55 million people globally living with dementia, and this number is expected to rise to 139 million by 2050. Early diagnosis is crucial, and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging plays a key role in the accurate diagnosis of AD. However, conventional PET scanners, which are typically large and integrated with MRI or CT technologies, are expensive to purchase and maintain and require considerable space, limiting their accessibility. Now, an ultra-compact dedicated brain PET scanner can assist in diagnosing and monitoring brain-related disorders like AD, brain tumors, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and others.

Positrigo’s (Zurich, Switzerland) NeuroLF brain PET system marks a significant shift in medical imaging by offering a device dedicated to imaging a specific body part or organ, similar to what is done in cardiac imaging. This innovation in brain imaging technology leverages advances in mechanical, electronic, and software engineering to create a system that occupies minimal space and does not require special room modifications. The NeuroLF allows patients to undergo brain scans in a seated position, facilitating functional imaging directly at the point of care.

Positrigo has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the NeuroLF, with approval in the European market anticipated later this year. The timing of the launch of a dedicated brain PET device aligns well with recent advancements in Alzheimer’s treatment, including the FDA approval earlier this month of another disease-modifying therapy for AD—the third such medication approved in the US following two others last year. This FDA clearance for Positrigo's first product positions the company closer to achieving its mission of imaging everyone.

“It is not the first device of its kind which receives market clearance in the US but we believe that our patient-centric and customer-driven design and development efforts over the last couple of years, brought us into the pole position to offer the best imaging solution to address the increased demand of brain PET scans,” says Dr. Jannis Fischer, co-founder and CEO.

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