#Norway #Oslo #Bladder Cancer #Photocure #Intelligent Scopes

Photocure and Intelligent Scopes Corporation Join Forces

In a significant step towards advancing bladder cancer diagnostics, Photocure ASA (OSE: PHO), widely recognized as the Bladder Cancer Company, has entered into a collaboration with Intelligent Scopes Corporation (ISC). This partnership aims to develop a sophisticated AI software tailored for blue light cystoscopy (BLC®) technology, which plays a crucial role in detecting bladder tumors. Initial trials have demonstrated promising performance metrics, indicating a positive trajectory for this innovative approach.

Partnership Highlights

The collaboration signifies a development agreement between Photocure and ISC to enhance bladder cancer detection through AI integration within the blue light cystoscopy framework. Photocure has established itself as a leader in bladder cancer diagnostics, leveraging its flagship products, Hexvix® and Cysview®, which have been validated by rigorous clinical evidence and treatment guidelines.

Headquartered in the U.S., ISC is a subsidiary of Claritas HealthTech Limited, a UK-based firm. Together, they aim to provide cutting-edge endoscopic solutions that ISC will commercialize, enhancing the diagnostic landscape of bladder cancer.

Real-Time AI Support

As part of the ongoing development phase, both organizations are focusing on creating AI software capable of assisting physicians in real-time during cystoscopy procedures. The objective is to augment the early detection, diagnosis, and completeness of tumor resections in patients diagnosed with bladder cancer.
The initial phase of testing utilized data from roughly 200 BLC procedures, compiling over 80,000 images, which highlights the potential of AI to identify high-risk cancerous lesions earlier and with enhanced accuracy.

Photocure is committed to supporting this venture by initiating a clinical study to gather blue light video footage and images from bladder cancer patients across various sites in the U.S. and Europe, aimed at training the AI system. Details regarding this initiative, known as ENAiBLE, can be accessed through clinicaltrials.gov to monitor progress and outcomes.

Future Endeavors and Regulatory Pathways

Upon finalizing the development process, both Photocure and ISC will seek FDA approval for the AI software intended for integration with any blue light cystoscope system. The organizations are poised to pursue regulatory clearances in Europe and other regions concurrently. A key milestone includes releasing a beta version of the software within the next 12 to 18 months in preparation for regulatory assessments.

According to the terms of this partnership, Photocure will have exclusive, ongoing rights to market the new solution through its sales force, distributors, or partners. This also entails licensing the technology to device manufacturers in different countries upon obtaining necessary regulatory approvals.

Commitment to Precision Medicine

Dan Schneider, President and CEO of Photocure, expressed enthusiasm about this strategic collaboration, emphasizing Photocure's dedication to enhancing precision diagnostics in uro-oncology. With a solid track record in bladder cancer diagnostics, the firm seeks to leverage leading-edge technologies to create a comprehensive portfolio of diagnostic solutions, addressing the evolving needs of healthcare providers and patients alike.

The advancements in AI technology come at a time when the global demand for precision diagnostics is on the rise, partially due to the increasing cancer prevalence. BLC has positioned itself as a benchmark for contemporary cystoscopy technologies and is set to redefine possibilities in detecting aggressiveness in tumors that are often overlooked.

Expert Insights

Dr. Rajesh Nair, a noted Urological Surgeon, underlined the importance of accurate tumor detection and complete resection, applauding the collaboration's potential to integrate ISC's extensive experience in AI with Photocure's innovative cystoscopy solutions. He highlighted the significant leap forward this partnership represents in bladder cancer diagnostics, which promises to elevate patient care and outcomes.

Furthermore, Anders Neijber, the Chief Medical Officer at Photocure, noted that the integration of AI will ensure BLC not only surpasses traditional white light cystoscopy but also paves the way for future developments such as real-time tumor characterization and mapping of lesions, thereby enhancing risk stratification and precision monitoring.

As this partnership progresses, the implications for bladder cancer management could alter the medical landscape, presenting urologists with revolutionary tools to better meet their management goals.

Conclusion

Photocure ASA's collaboration with Intelligent Scopes Corporation is not merely an expansion of existing technology but signifies a commitment to transforming bladder cancer management through innovative AI solutions. As the initiative progresses, the partnership aims to unleash the full potential of blue light cystoscopy, ultimately uplifting the standards of care for patients battling bladder cancer.