Shanghai-based startup Wision AI has received Europe's CE mark for its AI-enabled polyp detection software used in colonoscopy. 

WHAT IT DOES

The startup describes its EndoScreener as a real-time computer-aided diagnosis software that assists endoscopists by simultaneously notifying and sounding an alarm when a polyp has been detected during colonoscopy.

Based on a study, the software device has improved the detection of adenoma (a type of benign tumour) on over 5,000 patients in six randomised controlled trials. It was also found to have reduced precancerous lesions, such as adenoma and sessile serrate lesion, in a clinical trial conducted at four US medical institutions.

The software device is said to be compatible with most mainstream endoscope systems and can be "deployed with high flexibility" in various clinical environments for colonoscopy.

WHY IT MATTERS

Last year, more than 1.9 million new cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) and 935,000 deaths were recorded. In Europe, this disease is the second most deadly cancer with one individual dying of CRC every three minutes, Wision noted. The early detection and removal of adenomatous polyps and regular colonoscopy screening are the most effective ways to minimise the incidence and deaths resulting from this type of cancer. 

With Europe opening up to its device, Wision said the EndoScreener will later help in preventing cases of colorectal cancer in the continent, saving resources in health services and reducing expenditures. 

MARKET SNAPSHOT

A similar AI-driven polyp detection tool was recently cleared by the US FDA. Manufactured by Cosmo Pharmaceuticals and distributed by American-Irish medical device maker Medtronic, GI Genius is a software used by clinicians to identify polyps during colonoscopy in real-time.