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Clinics for Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis
The concept of establishing dedicated neuroimaging clinics for the early-stage detection of AD is a unique and exciting approach to help fight this devastating disease.
This initiative marks a transformative step for Algernon to become a global healthcare provider and partner in the battle against AD and related cognitive disorders, while strengthening the Company’s valuation and bottom line.
The Company plans to open its initial neuroimaging clinics in the U.S. and will be anchored by the most advanced Positron Emission Tomography (PET) technology, namely, the ultra-compact CareMiBrain™ brain-specific, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner system, to perform high-resolution PET imaging using radio isotopes designed to detect and define amyloid plaque build-up and related biomarkers associated with AD.
Scanned patients whose condition allows for treatment will be able to consider infusion of the newly approved drugs Kisunla or Leqembi, the two U.S. FDA-approved, and U.S. Medicare and Medicaid covered, AD monoclonal antibody treatment therapies developed by Eli Lilly, and Eisai and Biogen, respectively. These drug treatments, can clear the amyloid plaque from the brain and slow the progression of AD.
However, prior to being able to receive AD treatment, a patient must undergo a final confirmatory test for plaque, also U.S. Medicare and Medicaid covered, of either a brain specific PET scan or a spinal tap, the latter being an invasive and less desirable diagnostic procedure.
The CareMiBrainᵀᴹ PET Scanner
Algernon’s new clinics will feature the CareMiBrain™ brain-specific, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner system, which represents a new generation in PET brain scanning excellence. Incorporated into a comfortable clinical, dental-styled chair, the CareMiBrain™ PET scanner can perform the same brain scanning functions of traditional PET scanners, which are extremely large, horizontal imaging machines generally located in the nuclear medicine departments of hospitals or in specialized scanning centers.
Unlike a standard PET/CT scanner, which combines PET with computed tomography (CT) for attenuation correction and anatomical localization, the CareMiBrain™ is a standalone PET system without an integrated CT component. This eliminates the additional ionizing radiation from the CT scan, which is a key factor in reducing overall patient radiation exposure by as much as 25% over current full-body PET/CT scanners.
As an ultra-high resolution, dedicated brain PET scanner, the CareMiBrain™ system additionally provides:
- <1.6 mm spatial resolution for advanced neurological diagnostics
- Proven performance in >600 patients, including amyloid and tau imaging (U.S. FDA Cleared)
- Ergonomic, reclining chair design with ultra-fast acquisition times, enhancing patient comfort and avoiding claustrophobia sensations
- Standard wall outlet power (115–240V), low heat generation, small room requirements (~8’x13’)
- Fully integrated acquisition, quantification, and reconstruction software
- Optional integration with SynterMed NeuroQ4™ for quantitative brain analysis
Traditional PET scanners are in exceedingly short supply and equally high demand and are mostly prioritized for imaging a variety of cancers, coronary artery disease, and brain disorders such as tumors.
As a result, the current reserve of PET scanners in North America will be unable to handle the anticipated demand for AD related imaging and this presents Algernon with a significant opportunity to capitalize on this imbalance between service and anticipated demand in the AD market segment.
U.S. Flagship Clinic
Algernon will be announcing the location of its first U.S. neuroimaging clinic shortly, which is expected to be opened in Q2 of 2026. After completing an initial startup phase, the Company will scale up its operations to quickly establish three additional clinics in the U.S. in 2026, with plans for an additional six clinics after that in early 2027 towards building out a launchpad network for further expansion across America.
Canadian Clinics
The CareMiBrain™ PET scanner is not currently approved for commercial use in Canada and neither are the two antibody therapy treatments from Eli Lily, and Eisai and Biogen.
Until these clearances are secured by the scanner and antibody therapy manufacturers, Algernon will be accommodating Canadians interested in securing a brain specific PET scan for AD at its U.S. locations, and will accordingly provide treatment options for patients to consider and pursue in concert with the involvement of their healthcare providers.
Algernon will also be working with the manufacturer of the CareMiBrain™ PET scanner to secure Health Canada approval for this new technology.
