Cardinal Health has opened its first cyclotron facility in the state of Georgia, expanding its capability to manufacture molecular imaging biomarkers that aid in the early diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of cancer, neurological disorders and heart disease.

Cardinal said its Augusta cyclotron facility will be located near its existing nuclear pharmacy in Augusta, where the company will dispense PET imaging agents in patient-specific doses. The company now operates a nationwide network of 36 cyclotrons, with its Charlotte, N.C., cyclotron being the closest to Augusta.

The new cyclotron also will support molecular imaging research in nearby hospitals and universities, and will be available to support clinical trials that evaluate the effectiveness of new PET imaging agents, according to the Dublin, Ohio-based company.