#AI #Tech Doctor #Digital Biomarkers

Tech Doctor Establishes AI and Healthcare Research Institute

Tech Doctor, led by CEO Kazushi Minato, recently announced the establishment of the "AI and Healthcare Research Institute" in Tokyo. This initiative aims to harness AI technologies for practical research and the application of digital biomarkers within healthcare. By merging accumulated knowledge in digital biomarker development and AI, the institute plans to accelerate their actual implementation in medical practices.

Background of the Institute's Establishment

As digital technology continues to advance, utilizing health data gathered from everyday life has expanded significantly. Tech Doctor has been at the forefront of developing digital biomarkers—indicators that leverage AI and machine learning for early disease detection, diagnostic support, and monitoring treatment effects. However, the effective use of these metrics in clinical settings requires more than just data presentation; it necessitates transforming them into user-friendly formats for healthcare providers and patients. AI is expected to play a crucial role in facilitating this transformation, while also requiring careful consideration of safety and ethical implications.

The mission of the newly established institute is to explore the future of healthcare through the application of AI and digital biomarkers, laying the groundwork for theories and validating technologies that support their societal implementation. The institute will focus on building AI-based operational models while addressing ethical, regulatory, and user experience challenges in collaboration with various experts, fostering hands-on knowledge accumulation.

Research findings will be actively disseminated, and the institute will promote collaboration with external organizations. Companies and researchers interested in participating are encouraged to reach out.

Primary Activities of the Institute

The institute is set to engage in several key activities, including:

• - Theoretical development of AI and digital biomarker applications in healthcare.
• - Identification and validation of ethical and practical implementation challenges.
• - Review of existing research literature and collection of case studies.
• - Proposals for usage models aimed at social implementation.
• - Presenting and sharing research outcomes at conferences and academic meetings.
• - Supporting research into AI applications in healthcare.

First Activity Report of the Institute: Research Trends in AI and Healthcare

The institute's first activity report has been published, providing an overview of major research trends in AI and healthcare. This report summarizes crucial studies, particularly focusing on diagnostic support, digital biomarkers, and generative AI from 2020 onwards. It details the current state of industrial applications and clinical implementation, alongside future prospects and challenges.

Comments from Advisory Researchers

The institute has enlisted a diverse group of advisory researchers who provide insights into the practical and theoretical frameworks necessary for the integration of AI in healthcare:

• - Yasuhiro Kishimoto, Special Professor at Keio University, emphasizes that digital biomarkers from devices can effectively aid decisions in diagnoses and treatments. The implementation of these technologies in a user-friendly manner is vital.
• - Yuichiro Yano, Professor at Juntendo University, recognizes the importance of merging AI with digital biomarkers for personalized and preventative healthcare, expressing optimism for the institute's comprehensive approach to addressing ethical and practical challenges.
• - Takuzen Fujita, Senior Researcher at the Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, underscores that the integration of AI and digital biomarkers is critical for future medical practices and highlights the need for resolving legal and ethical issues.
• - Satoshi Inoue, Special Associate Professor at Yokohama City University, mentions that the widespread use of wearables has facilitated real-world data collection, essential for continuous monitoring of human health.

About Tech Doctor Inc.

Tech Doctor Inc., founded on June 21, 2019, embodies the vision of "Enhancing health through data". The company focuses on developing and implementing digital biomarkers sourced from wearable devices and daily sensing data, collaborating with healthcare providers, pharmaceutical firms, and research institutions to realize personalized data-driven healthcare solutions. For more information, visit Tech Doctor's official website.

What are Digital Biomarkers?

Digital biomarkers indicate disease presence, changes in health status, or treatment effectiveness. Traditionally, biomarkers relied on "point data" collected during medical visits, limiting understanding to those episodes only. However, advancements in digital technology now allow continuous and long-term collection of