Lantheus Holdings has completed its strategic acquisition of Life Molecular Imaging for approximately $789 million, significantly expanding its presence in the Alzheimer's disease diagnostic market. The transaction, announced to shareholders on January 13 and finalized on July 22, 2025, brings the company a newly FDA-approved imaging agent and strengthens its radiopharmaceutical pipeline.
Strategic Leadership Addition
As part of the acquisition, Dr. Ludger Dinkelborg, former CEO and Managing Director of Life Molecular Imaging, joined Lantheus as Head of Research and Development effective August 1, 2025. In his new role, Dinkelborg will oversee Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Operations, Program Management, and AI/Biomarkers Solutions, reporting directly to CEO Brian Markison.
"Ludger's proven leadership, scientific expertise, and track record of advancing innovative radiopharmaceuticals will be instrumental as we expand and advance our innovative pipeline and pursue bold new opportunities to improve patient care," said Markison.
Dinkelborg expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, stating, "This is a pivotal moment for Lantheus, and I'm honored to help shape the next chapter. With a strong pipeline and a passionate team, we have the opportunity to push the boundaries of innovation and bring meaningful advances to patients worldwide."
FDA-Approved Alzheimer's Diagnostic Agent
The centerpiece of the acquisition is Neuraceq (florbetaben F18 injection), a globally approved F-18 PET imaging agent that received FDA approval on June 23, 2025. The diagnostic tool is indicated for positron emission tomography of the brain to estimate amyloid beta neuritic plaque density in adults with cognitive impairment.
Neuraceq serves two primary clinical purposes: evaluation of Alzheimer's disease and other causes of cognitive decline, and selection of patients indicated for amyloid beta-directed therapy as described in therapeutic product prescribing information. The agent is currently approved in the United States, European Union, Canada, South Korea, China, and Japan.
Safety Profile and Clinical Data
The overall safety profile of Neuraceq is based on data from 1,090 administrations to 872 subjects. No serious adverse reactions related to Neuraceq administration have been reported. The most frequently observed adverse drug reactions were injection site reactions, including pain (3.4%), erythema (1.7%), and irritation (1.1%).
Healthcare providers must be aware of potential risks for image interpretation errors and radiation exposure. The FDA labeling emphasizes that errors may occur in estimating brain amyloid beta neuritic plaque density during image interpretation, and severe brain atrophy or motion artifacts may limit the ability to distinguish gray and white matter on scans.
Enhanced Market Position
Through this acquisition, Lantheus gains access to Life Molecular's robust Alzheimer's disease radiodiagnostic commercial infrastructure, advanced R&D capabilities, and established international presence. The transaction positions the Massachusetts-based company to capitalize on the growing demand for Alzheimer's diagnostic tools as the field advances toward more targeted therapeutic approaches.
The deal was supported by comprehensive advisory teams, with RMB (a division of FirstRand Bank Limited) serving as financial advisor to Life Healthcare, alongside legal advisors A&O Shearman LLP and Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr Inc. Morgan Stanley advised Lantheus financially, while Covington & Burling LLP, Ropes & Gray LLP, and Bowmans provided legal counsel, with Ernst & Young LLP offering financial and tax advisory services.
