automated analysis of retinal imaging helps patients suffering from eye diseases
Millions of people in the United States are affected with retinal diseases, and imaging technologies are used to monitor the extent and progression. While these current tools are useful for visualizing the disease, it’s difficult to objectively quantify and interpret progression or the effects of treatment.
A University of Michigan team Thiran Jayasundera, M.D. and Matthew Johnson-Roberson, Ph.D. developed EyeAnalyze, a new computer-based service that performs automated identification and quantification of change in retinal diseases. EyeAnalyze reduces the time spent interpreting images, increases work efficiency, and provides image analysis at a quality equal or superior to that of a clinical trial grader. By increasing the efficiency of image analysis, the patient’s disease progression can be identified early and enable clinician’s to adjust therapy.
Significant Need
Currently, analysis of fluorescent images is time consuming, largely subjective, and unable to establish temporal changes. EyeAnalyze will make Fluorescein angiography (FA) and autofluorescence (AF) images interpretable by a greater number of physicians/optometrists quickly and accurately—ultimately leading to efficient image analysis and improved patient care.
Compelling Science
A computer-based service that quickly performs automated analysis of retinal FA and AF imaging.
Competitive Advantage
Automated, quantifiable, reproducible measures of disease progression based on FA and AF image analysis will improve patient care and disease therapy. Current imaging technology interpretation is subjective, time-consuming, and lacks a quantitative measure for disease burden.
Commercialization Path
- Intellectual Property – Two patent applications filed and converted to utility patents. One provisional patent application filed.
- Intellectual Property – Two patent applications filed and converted to utility patents. One pr
- Commercialization Strategy – Plan is to form a start-up company.
- Regulatory Pathway – Initial regulatory assessment performed by Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research. Plan is to submit a preSub to obtain FDA feedback on the proposed clinical study plan.
- Engage Investors/Company Launch Strategy – EyeAnalyze – Following completion of studies to establish the clinical utility of the algorithm, EyeAnalyze will incorporate, retain experienced senior management, and approach venture investment community.
Milestones
- Complete development of FA non-perfusion detection and quantification algorithm.
- Assess how to distinguish EyeAnalyze “new” procedure from current procedures (CPT codes). Strategize the application to AMA for a new CPT code.
- Process the SCORE2 study data to demonstrate the high correlation between the algorithm and clinical trial graders.
- Document FDA-acceptable software.
- Provide EyeAnalyze to Key Opinion Leaders to obtain feedback on product design and utility.
- Prepare and submit 510(k) application to FDA.
- Legally form an LLC.
- Obtain funding from angel investors and Michigan state support programs.
