Thirona obtains EU MDR approval for AI eye screening software

Dutch medtech firm Thirona has been granted Class II CE certification under the EU Medical Devices Regulation (MDR) for its eye disease screening software.

The solution RetCAD uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse colour fundus images, showing the interior surface of the eye, for the presence of age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

This assists eye care providers in early diagnosis and grading of these vision threatening diseases.

Mark van Grinsven, Thirona head of product development, said: “The new MDR regulation puts much stronger emphasis on evaluation of the clinical data, requiring AI companies to meet very stringent quality and safety requirements.”

Peppy partners with AXA Health to offer employee wellbeing app

UK-based digital health platform Peppy has announced a deal with insurance giant AXA Health to provide its wellbeing app for people going through major life events.

AXA Health’s corporate customers will be able to provide employees with access to virtual consultations with expert practitioners in fertility, menopause, perinatal support and mental health. Employees will also be able to message experts and access information, resources, and events via the app.

Dr Mridula Pore, Peppy cofounder and co-CEO, said: “As is becoming more commonplace, the provision of expert menopause, fertility and early-stage parenthood support is becoming standard for all health insurance companies and we are proud Peppy is playing an integral part in the next evolution of healthcare.”

PocDoc to launch smartphone-based blood test for cardiovascular disease

Digital health platform and personal diagnostics provider, PocDoc has announced the launch of a smartphone-based test for cardiovascular disease that it says could save the NHS millions per year.

The technology allows anyone with a mobile device to take an accurate blood test to aid early detection of cardiovascular disease, with results available via the PocDoc app. It is currently finishing NHS research trials and is due to be rolled-out in Spring.

PocDoc CEO and cofounder, Steve Roest, said: “Cardiovascular disease is the biggest killer in the world – but unlike cancer, it is largely preventable. We believe that the key to fighting back is to increase access to testing, as early detection and ongoing monitoring improves patient outcomes.”

UK-wide medical imaging sharing system expands to 500 institutions

Digital medical imaging sharing system, the Sectra Image Exchange Portal (IEP), has expanded to cover 500 institutions.

IEP launched in 2009 to allow NHS hospitals to share patient x-rays, ultrasounds, CTs, MRIs, PET scans and other diagnostic images between sites.

The cloud-based system has grown beyond its original remit, with other organisations to join the network including teleradiology providers, private hospitals, and organisations focusing on 3D reconstruction and AI supported diagnostics.

Susan De Four, radiology systems administrator, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “IEP has gone from being a local image sharing tool to becoming the predominant way we share images institution to institution, even changing how we share images with patients.”