Syncor Plans Nuclear Pharmacy With USC

Syncor International Corp., a Chatsworth operator of specialty pharmaceutical centers for doctors and hospitals, said it plans to open a nuclear pharmacy specializing in positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceuticals at USC.

PET is an imaging procedure used to detect diseases. Syncor said its joint venture with USC would study the commercial potential of supplying prescription drugs for use with PET technology.

The company said it also hopes to expand its pharmacy network by opening five additional radiopharmacies throughout the United States. The start-up costs of the expansion will slightly depress its profit margins in the fiscal year ending May 30, Syncor said.