Research and Development
The Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy (CMIT) research program is focused on advancing molecular imaging and therapy by working in all facets of the cycle for new technology from bench to bedside. Specific areas of expertise are in the radiopharmaceutical sciences, imaging sciences, and translational and clinical research. The center’s research group develops concepts into actual tools which increase knowledge and lead to improvements in healthcare.
Radiopharmaceutical
CMIT’s radiopharmaceutical research group is the backbone of our research program. These researchers work to develop novel radiopharmaceuticals and to optimize and improve radiopharmaceutical synthesis methods. CMIT has the expertise to develop and optimize new and improved radiochemistry production techniques and quality control methods.
Clinical
CMIT’s clinical research brings cutting edge clinical trials using diagnostic and therapeutic agents in new and exciting ways to our region. With the help of research collaborators and subjects, this work can lead to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment for many diseases. These clinical trials range from pharmaceutical safety and biodistribution studies to outcome driven studies for many different diseases.
Translational
CMIT’s translational research brings novel pharmaceuticals from benchtop experiments and preclinical models to introduction into humans. Assessing and evaluating pharmaceutical efficacy and safety are a key component of this work.
Chemistry
CMIT is working in organic and medicinal chemistry to identify, develop, and test new molecules and compounds for a variety of purposes. This work can lead to new diagnostic or therapeutic agents or provide new information as to how a particular disease or biologic process works.
Preclinical
CMIT’s goal is outfitting state-of-the-art preclinical imaging facility which will include a vivarium, SPECT, PET, CT, optical, and MRI imaging capabilities.
Southern Isotopes Baton Rouge
Southern Isotopes Baton Rouge location allows for mutual redundancy between the two Southern Isotopes sites and increases the distribution range with the addition of the site in Baton Rouge. The highly trained and dedicated technical staff in Baton Rouge is led by Randy Brooks, RPh.
Researchers
Dr. Stephen Lokitz – Interim Director
Dr. Rachid Nazih – Site Manager/Radiochemist
Recent Accomplishments
CMIT researchers published a peer reviewed manuscript on the use of 18F-DOPA in patients with focal congenital hyperinsulinism
Dr. Stephen Lokitz gave an invited lecture at the Southwest Chapter of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging on dose reduction and radiation safety practices in nuclear medicine
Dr. Stephen Lokitz presented an invited lecture at the Southwest Chapter of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging on dosimetry in nuclear medicine
Dr. Pradeep Garg presented a keynote address at the Southern Biomedical Engineering Conference 2016 on molecular imaging and the relevance to biomechanical engineering
Dr. Pradeep Garg presented an invited Chancellor’s Lecture at LSUHSC in New Orleans on the role of molecular imaging in translational research
Dr. Stephen Lokitz presented an invited lecture at the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine on the physics of radioisotope supply
CMIT had three scientific poster presentations at the annual meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
CMIT had one scientific oral presentation at the annual meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging