PSI Teaming Profiles
Thank you for showing an interest in ARPA-H’s Precision Surgical Interventions (PSI) program. This page is designed to help facilitate connections between prospective performer teams. If either you or your organization are interested in teaming, please submit your information via the form below. Your details will then be added to the list below, which is publicly available.
PSI anticipates that teaming will be necessary to achieve the goals of the program. Prospective performers are encouraged (but not required) to form teams with varied technical expertise to submit a proposal to the PSI BAA. For questions, please contact us at PSI@arpa-h.gov.
Please note that by publishing the public teaming profiles list, ARPA-H is not endorsing, sponsoring, or otherwise evaluating the qualifications of the individuals or organizations included here. Submissions to the teaming profiles list are reviewed and updated periodically.
Interested in learning more about the PSI program?
- Read the PSI Broad Agency Announcement.
- Register to attend the hybrid Proposers’ Day on September 7, 2023. (Closed)
- Read the PSI program overview page.
Teaming Profiles List
To narrow the results in the Teaming Profiles List, please use the input below to filter results based on your search term. The list will filter as you type.
| Organization | Contact Information | Location | Focus Area(s) | Offer PSI and/or Partners | Strengths/Experience | Reason(s) for Partnering | Technical Area(s) |
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| Baylor College of Medicine | Tao Wu (tao.wu@bcm.edu) Additional: Briana.Liberato@bcm.edu |
Houston, TX | Although myriad cancer therapies have produced substantial clinical responses, acquired therapeutic resistance remains a significant obstacle to successful cancer treatment. Almost all cancer therapies can result in resistance, and the resistant cells can lead to relapse and metastasis, which is the leading cause of death in most cancer patients. There is, therefore, a critical need to understand the underpinning mechanisms of drug-resistance development and identify novel resistance-related targets to combat the emergence of drug-resistance in cancer therapies. It is well-known that intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) and phenotypic plasticity have been speculated to be the critical determinants underpinning cancer cell adaptation in treatment. We are an epigenetic lab, and focusing on uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning the solid tumor progression and relapse. Now, we are actively searching the novel markers which could be applied both in vitro and in vivo to help defining the tumor invasive frontier-edge and developing new strategies to interfere these pathways. Our preliminary results indicated that several non-canonical cell reprogramming (plasticity) drivers could serve as the markers and new targets. |
We have unique analysis tools and sequencing methods to study the canonical and non-canonical epigenetic modifications and help to define the unique markers. | We have a well-trained interdisciplinary team, including experts in molecular and cell biology, pathology, clinical oncology, and imaging AI analysis. | We are looking for experts in the chemical probes and reagent developing field. |
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| Emet Surgical, Inc. | Bob Witkow (Bob@EmetSurgical.com) Additional: Gaia@EmetSurgical.com |
Denver, CO | Emet Surgical is fully dedicated to advancing medical innovation through the development of cutting-edge tools. Our central mission revolves around creating state-of-the-art solutions that cater to the precise needs of surgical oncology. This encompasses the pioneering development of tools that facilitate in-vivo and ex-vivo tumor margin marking and mapping for solid tumors. In addition, our commitment extends to the realm of gastroenterology and colorectal surgery, where we are actively engaged in designing a specialized marking tool. This specialized tool underscores our dedication to enhancing surgical precision across various medical domains. Emet Surgical's endeavors exemplify our unwavering focus on revolutionizing medical practices, exemplifying the fusion of advanced technology and clinical expertise to redefine the future of surgery. | Emet Surgical stands as a strategic partner with a profound commitment to enhancing surgical interventions. Our core focus on in-vivo and ex-vivo tumor margin marking and mapping tools for solid tumors reflects our dedication to driving precision in oncology surgery. With a proven track record, we offer expertise honed through the development of tools currently navigating the FDA 510(k) clearance process. Additionally, our portfolio includes tools poised for imminent application submission for clearance. By collaborating with Emet Surgical, partners gain access to a wealth of experience, regulatory acumen, and a pioneering spirit that accelerates the journey toward safer, more effective surgical solutions. | Despite being a startup, Emet Surgical brings substantial strengths and relevant experience to the field of tumor margin marking and mapping. Our background in collaborative ventures with managed health entities and universities showcases our prowess in fostering research and development partnerships. Our cohesive team possesses unwavering dedication, profound expertise, and a laser focus on our mission. While new, our dynamic approach, combined with our established connections and diligent commitment, positions us as a promising contender in revolutionizing surgical precision and patient outcomes. | Emet Surgical is actively seeking visionary and collaborative teaming partners who share our profound understanding of the pivotal role that in-vivo and ex-vivo tumor margin marking and mapping play in advancing modern surgical interventions. As pioneers in the field of tumor marking and mapping, we are resolute in our pursuit of partners who not only recognize the critical significance of these techniques but also possess the zeal to contribute to the development of comprehensive and infallible product solutions. |
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| Fiber Tractography Lab, University of Pittsburgh | Fang-Cheng Yeh (frank.yeh@pitt.edu) | Pittsburgh, PA | Our research focuses on brain fiber tracking, an MRI-based, non-invasive way to map axonal pathways for patients with complex brain lesions, including low-grade and high-grade gliomas. Using fiber tracking, surgical studies can thus be built upon precise and accurate neuroanatomical knowledge, which allows doctors to reconstruct perilesional or intralesional fiber tracts, design the less invasive trajectory into the target lesion, and apply more effective intraoperative electrical mapping techniques for maximal and safe tumor resection in eloquent cortical and subcortical regions. | Our team’s primary research interest lies in method development, which involves collaboration with esteemed experts from diverse disciplines. Through these collaborations, we strive to discover novel applications of brain fiber tractography, pushing the boundaries of knowledge in this domain. The ultimate goal of the lab is to leverage innovative imaging methods to improve brain surgical outcomes. | For over a decade, the dedicated efforts of the research team have been centered around the development of DSI Studio—a remarkable diffusion MRI analysis tool that has revolutionized brain connectivity research. Since its introduction, DSI Studio has been used and cited in more than 1500 publications. At UPMC, DSI Studio has been used to assist more than 200 patients with brain tumors to improve their outcomes. | We are looking for neurosurgeons interested in testing and validating tractography for surgical planning of brain tumor resection. |
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| CytomX Therapeutics Inc. | Olga Vasiljeva (olga@cytomx.com) Additional: jlandau@cytomx.com |
South San Francisco, CA | CytomX Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage, oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel conditionally activated biologics localized to the tumor microenvironment. CytomX is pioneering a novel class of conditionally activated biologics powered by its Probody® technology platform that are designed to preferentially bind to tumors, and not to healthy tissue. CytomX’s goal is to meaningfully improve the treatment of cancer. CytomX’s robust and differentiated pipeline comprises therapeutic candidates across multiple treatment modalities including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), T-cell engaging bispecific antibodies, and immune modulators such as cytokines and checkpoint inhibitors. CytomX has also established strategic collaborations with multiple leaders in oncology including Amgen, Astellas, Bristol Myers Squibb, Regeneron and Moderna. In addition to conducting multiple clinical trials evaluating the clinical activity of Probody therapeutic candidates, CytomX has developed expertise with in vivo imaging to characterize their localization to tumor tissue, further validating the platform. CytomX has vast experience in pre-clinical and clinical imaging of the localization of Probody therapeutics to tumor sparing normal tissue using optical and PET imaging modalities. The concept for consideration in this proposal is to utilize the intrinsic proteolytic sensitivity of the Probody therapeutic of CytomX’s to selectively image tumors in situ for precision surgical navigation technologies. |
Probody therapeutics (Pb-Tx) are a novel class of protease-activated cancer therapeutics. Pb-Tx are designed to remain largely intact in circulation and normal tissue, but activated by upregulated proteases in the tumor microenvironment leading to the tumor target binding. The ability of Pb-Tx to preferentially bind its tumor target and not the target on normal tissue represents a valuable quality for precision surgical navigation technologies.
CytomX developed CX-2009 (praluzatamab ravtansine), a conditionally activated ADC targeting CD166. CD166 is a transmembrane type-1 glycoprotein that is broadly expressed in normal tissue and on many cancer types where substantial unmet medical need remains including lung, breast, esophageal and pancreatic cancers. CX-2009 has demonstrated single-agent anti-cancer activity in Phase 1-2 studies. Immuno-PET imaging with 89Zr-labeled CX-2009 confirmed uptake in tumor lesions and shielding of major organs known to express CD166.
CytomX can provide GMP quality material of CX-2009 Pb-Tx that can be used as a contrast agent to differentiate between tumor and normal tissues, and assisting surgeons during operations to visualize tumors’ edges, in order to increase chances of complete removal. CytomX is a highly collaborative organization that can partner effectively with teams that are developing targeted image guided surgery technologies and surgeons utilizing them. |
CytomX is a leading clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company in the growing field of conditional activation with a team that is dedicated to pioneering bold science to make a difference. CytomX has multiple Probody® therapeutics in the clinic and in earlier phases of preclinical research. As a clinical-stage company, CytomX has extensive experience in biomedical engineering, generating a large scale of GLP and GMP grade molecules for pre-clinical and clinical trials, clinical trials design and execution. CytomX’s robust and differentiated pipeline comprises therapeutic candidates across multiple treatment modalities. Notably, CytomX has extensive experience in pre-clinical and clinical imaging of Pb-Tx using optical and PET imaging modalities (Clin Cancer Res 2020 (PMID: 31953313), Theranostics 2020 (PMID: 32483421), Clin Cancer Res 2021 (PMID: 34253583), Clin Cancer Res 2022 (PMID: 35165101)). We strongly believe that conditionally activated biologics, based on their preferential activity in tumors over normal tissue, can make a meaningful contribution to the rapidly evolving and expanding field of image guided surgery, especially in the context of oncology. The extensive clinical experience of CytomX can benefit the Precision Surgical Interventions (PSI) program by advancing currently developed system through increased precision of tumor detection and its differentiation from the normal tissues and structures. | CytomX has extensive pre-clinical and clinical expertise in conditionally activated mAb-based therapeutics. We can provide knowledge and experience generated over the last decade in this field, as well as the research and GMP grade material that can be used for pre-clinical or clinical image guided surgeries studies. We are happy to collaborate with the teams developing image guided surgery systems or surgical teams applying those to the clinic. Since CD166 is broadly expressed, CX-2009 can be applicable to a wide range of cancer types. CX-2009 in vivo imaging properties have been validated in pre-clinical and clinical imaging studies using optical and PET imaging modalities. Different tracers including but not limited to optical, such as NIRF (ICG, IRDye800CW), PAMI/MSOT, OEM or PET/CT can be used with this molecule. We look forward to collaborating with a broad range of specialists under the framework of the Precision Surgical Interventions (PSI) program such as chemists, nuclear medicine physicians, pharmacists, physicists, medical specialists and surgeons to enable a wider clinical implementation of the image guided surgery approach and to bring it to clinical standard of care for the benefit of people with cancer. |
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| Perimeter Medical Imaging AI | Andrew Berkeley (aberkeley@perimetermed.com) Additional: amendes@perimetermed.com |
Dallas, TX | Perimeter Medical has a commercially available Specimen Margin Visualization device that leverages OCT high resolution imaging under a general tissue indication. This technology is currently being successfully adopted by many surgeons in the US and has demonstrated the ability to reduce the need for second surgeries. We are also currently developing AI machine learning algorithms for our device specific to breast cancer to help reduce the need for second surgeries for breast cancer patients. We will continue to train the algorithms on breast tissue data, however Perimeter plans to expand into other cancer types that require intraoperative tumor margin visualization in the operating room under our general label. | Perimeter has a product in the market today that has demonstrated the ability to identify positive tumor margins in excised breast specimens in the operating room. This allows the surgeon to take more tissue when needed and thus reducing the need for second surgeries. As we expand we are looking for partners on a number of fronts. The first is to broaden the utility of the technology across the US and develop clinical data to support further growth and to facilitate reimbursement for the technology. Additional Perimeter needs clinical partners to continue to grow our AI data libraries and to explore the use of our existing device during a wide variety cancer surgeries. We can offer support to partner in various ways ranging from device and consumable support, to research and data sharing agreements. | Perimeter has a proven track record of developing cutting edge technology aimed at improving surgical outcomes for cancer patients, whilst working in partnership with the leading cancer centers in the US. Perimeter has successfully worked with the FDA and had a number of devices cleared for use in the US, along with being granted Breakthrough Designation for our AI technology. We have also been very successful in raising funds to support the company and have a stable of committed investors. Perimeter has experience in all areas of taking medical technology devices from concept to commercialization. With established teams in R&D, Engineering, QA&RA, Finance, Clinical Research, AI along with sales and marketing Perimeter has a well positioned team ready for success. | Perimeter is looking for partners in several key areas. We would like to build upon recent success by adding additional users of our technology and particularly surgeons who would take on their own research using the device in the shape of investigator lead clinical trials. The next opportunity is to partner with a group that can provide AI training & test clinical data for our machine learning programs. We have an extensive range of AI technologies in development and each one needs clinical data to train upon for commercialization and continuous improvement. Lastly, Perimeter is focusing its efforts to bring our technology to breast cancer surgery. As we have a general indication for our device from the FDA this allows us to use the device on any tissue type. We are currently running clinical feasibility test in Head & Neck cancer but would like to expand into all areas of surgical oncology where the device can add real time visualization of tumor margins. This will have a positive impact on surgical outcomes for patients and cost to the healthcare system. |
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| Surgical Navigation and Robotics Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School | Nobuhiko Hata, PhD (hata@bwh.harvard.edu) Additional: mnkau@bwh.harvard.edu |
Boston, MA | The Surgical Navigation and Robotics Laboratory is dedicated to pioneering innovative computer and engineering solutions for image-guided therapy. Our distinct methodology merges imaging, computing, and robotics into a unified system, amplifying the potential of image-guided procedures. Our ultimate objective is to revolutionize minimally invasive treatments and introduce groundbreaking therapeutic methods. As an integral part of a clinical research program affiliated with a Harvard-associated hospital, we emphasize the real-world clinical applications of our inventions. Our work spans the realms of science, engineering, and practical applications, all under the expert guidance of Dr. Nobuhiko Hata. | Developing innovative devices and mechanisms for robotic surgery Inventing computer and engineering methods for surgical navigation Applying the developed technologies in actual clinical cases and delivering unique feedback to the scientific research community Sharing our research data, software, and device design with industry and academic peers Applying synergistic coupling to scientific disciplines unaware of or presently disconnected from image-guided therapy |
Our team boasts comprehensive access to clinical resources, notably the Advanced Image-Guided Operating Room. Skilled in acquiring IRB (Institutional Review Board) approval, we enable the creation of virtual twins for medical device design, applications, and validations. We're also proficient at securing IRB clearances for 'First in Human' studies, encompassing surgeries under IDE/NSR and IND, collaborating closely with esteemed clinicians of all surgical domains. PI-Hata, our lead, has partnered extensively with medical device manufacturers. He's instrumental in prototyping, validation, and ensuring 510K clearance for image-guided therapies, always prioritizing intellectual property protection. Importantly, we're generously funded by federal sources, positioning us at the forefront of developing and clinically validating medical devices through industrial collaborations. | We are seeking industrial partners to commercialize the devices we collaboratively develop. Specifically, we require a commercial entity to fulfill PSI's stipulations by: Employing engineers to manage documentation and oversee the V&V process in line with best engineering practices. Conducting user interviews. Sponsoring Q-sub and pre-submissions for both IDE and 510K. Engaging and retaining legal, regulatory, UI, and cyber security specialists. Work with CRO to sponsor the device we will co-develop. Outsource and administer tests for toxicity, biocompatibility, and other necessary evaluations. |
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| Optiscan Imaging Inc | Dr Camile Farah, CEO & President (cfarah@optiscan.com) Additional: SFernando@optiscan.com |
Minneapolis, MN and Melbourne, Australia | Miniaturized confocal laser endomicroscopy. Real-time live single-cell digital imaging. Real-time digital pathology imaging. Rigid and flexible endomicroscopy. Visible and NIR optical imaging. Artificial intelligence and real-time telepathology. |
Optiscan Imaging develops and manufactures miniaturised fluorescence based confocal laser endomicroscopes (CLE) for clinical applications. Our single fibre probe based technology has been miniatured to 3.5mm wide and 3.5cm long. Coupled with a fluorescent dye, it can image any tissue it comes into contact with, and produce. We have the ability to customise the design of a surgical or laboratory device for in vivo or ex vivo microscopic imaging. We can incorporate our device into a robotic arm for minimally invasive surgery or laparoscopic procedures requiring fluorescence-based image guided surgery. Our images are DICOM and PACS compliant and amenable for immediate use in AI and telepathology applications. | Optiscan Imaging is the leader in the development and manufacture of miniaturised fluorescence based confocal laser endomicroscopes (CLE) for clinical applications. Our single fibre CLE probes have been incorporated into flexible gastroscopes and rigid surgical scopes for GI and neurosurgery applications. Our devices produce high resolution, digital, single-cell microscopic grade images in real time to assist surgeons to determine tumour and surgical margins intraoperatively. Our microscopic imaging platform has been commercialised and is currently in use, and offers the highest resolution imaging in its class. We have in-house R&D and manufacturing capabilities that can support hardware and software development, in addition to partnerships in AI and telepathology applications. Additionally, we have significant background expertise and experience in preclinical and clinical imaging. |
We are looking for partners with experience in development or manufacture of fluorescent contrast agent/dyes (optical fluorescence) for visible light (488nm) or NIR applications. Specifically any dye that is FDA approved such as Fluorescein, ICG or ALA. We are also interested in partnering with organizations that have novel pan-cancer biomarker based dyes/contrast agents or organ/tissue specific biomarker probes for breast, colorectal or head and neck cancers. Additionally we are looking for partners in the flexible endoscopy space or in the robotics/minimally invasive/laparoscopic space. |
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| Triple Ring Technologies | Dr. Roger Tang (rtang@tripleringtech.com) Additional: shemami@tripleringtech.com |
Newark, CA and Boston, MA | We strive to be the most trusted partner for developing science-driven products in medical technologies, life sciences, and sustainability. In this role, we choose fulfilling problems, take on significant challenges, pull together diverse teams, collaborate fearlessly, and have a positive impact on people and the planet. To accomplish the above, Triple Ring Technologies comprises an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, developers, and designers (25% with PhDs) that specializes in accelerating technologies up the TRL scale. For our clients, we ensure that technology will perform as desired when it needs to, and that their projects will achieve key milestones (be they performance or funding). We serve as a contractor providing services, or as a commercialization partner for early-stage technology for which proof-of-concept has been achieved by an academic or research laboratory. Services include but are not limited to: basic technology development, robust implementation of proof-of-concept results, prototype design and build for clinical use, and design for manufacturing. We are fully ISO 13485 certified. | Triple Ring Technologies has experience with designing and commercializing sensing and imaging systems both with and without contrast agents. Example projects that highlight our relevant experience to PSI include: • System design and development around novel chemical biomarkers, including optics-based interrogation and measurements; all aspects of sensor design, build, calibration, verification, and validation; and user interface. The starting point for this project was the biomarker. • Augmented reality system design and development for real-time stereo surgical visualization, including all aspects of anthropometry. • System design and implementation of an in vitro tumor margin assessment technology using a novel label-free optical imaging approach. • Design and development of an x-ray fluoroscopy system with depth visualization capabilities; this comprised all aspects of system including custom x-ray source with steerable electron-beam optics, custom semiconductor detectors, mechanical gantry, acquisition and control electronics, real-time video-rate image reconstructions, and user interfaces. |
Our domain expertise includes system architecture and engineering, optical engineering and imaging, sensor and detector design/integration/system build, power/communications miniaturization and integration, assay development, robotics/mechatronics, and mobile application and user interface design. Our capabilities span early stage research and innovation (including simulations and modeling, technology road mapping, market and technology due diligence, new product concept design, and IP strategy), design and development (requirements development, risk management, rapid prototyping, systems architecture, systems integration, failure mode and effects analysis, sustainability and lifecycle design), and verification and validation (including contract manufacturer integration, design and manufacturing transfer). Our clients include startups as well as Fortune-100 companies. We have extensive experience in working with MDs and early-stage technologies to deliver systems that meet clinical performance requirements and are suitable for FDA submission, by systematically retiring risks and ensuring that all design efforts are directed toward minimum viable product. |
We stand side-by-side with innovators and entrepreneurs to solve hard problems, launch breakthrough products, and create new businesses. We can provide the concept realization and technology development for FDA submission, clinical testing, and/or commercialization. We can start with just a concept (e.g., background intellectual property, or even just an idea); at the other end of the TRL scale, we can design or redesign for manufacturing or for FDA submission. Teaming partners would bring medical expertise, clinical experience, and big ideas that are not constrained by what they think is limiting in today’s technology. Prior experience in creating novel technology is not required. |
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| Briteseed, LLC | Jonathan Gunn (j.w.gunn@briteseed.com) Additional: g.a.throckmorton@briteseed.com |
Chicago, IL | Briteseed is a surgical technology company that develops ""Smart Surgical Tools"" to help surgeons identify critical structures in real-time using hyperspectral imaging. The technology has been developed for real-time, label-free classification and localization of nerves, blood vessels, ureters, lymph nodes, and bile ducts. Identified tissues of interest are then displayed on-screen for the surgeon to minimize workflow disruption. The unique implementation of transmission mode detection in Briteseed’s tools also improves the depth of detection compared to traditional reflectance based approaches. Briteseed's proprietary optical subsystem has been miniaturized into a low-cost form and integrated into conventional surgical tools (5mm and 8mm diameter laparoscopic devices), including advanced bipolar sealers. In addition to hyperspectral imaging, Briteseed’s sensors are also equipped to detect fluorescent contrast agents such as ICG and can be tailored to other fluorophores of interest. Current efforts are focused on employing these tools within general, OB-GYN, and orthopedic surgery. |
Our team has core expertise in optics (e.g., hyperspectral imaging, fluorescence, etc.), signal processing and machine learning/deep learning, clinical need identification, optical system miniaturization, and surgical tool development. The team also has strong industry relationships with key product development, manufacturing, and regulatory partners who focus on surgical technology/product development. The company’s technology and commercial mandate has been to deliver critical structure localization and visualization through the development of label-free smart tools. This includes real-time identification of blood vessels, nerves, ureters, and lymph nodes. The company also understands the breadth of clinical needs that surround critical structure identification in a wide range of procedures. Briteseed’s clinical team includes surgeon collaborators at Northwestern Medicine, MUSC, and beyond, with a focus on General, GYN, Urologic, and Orthopedic surgery. |
We have diverse experience leading interdisciplinary development teams to deliver OR-ready optical subsystems, surgical tools, classification algorithms, and the software systems that drive these platforms. Briteseed leverages these strengths and unique expertise to create surgical tools for the label-free detection of critical structures. The company has experience leading early-stage needs identification and validation for new product solutions, formative usability studies, and definition of requirements for complex, integrated products. The team also has extensive experience designing technologies for integration into existing surgical tools and translating tools from the benchtop through to in vivo preclinical models. Briteseed has significant grant writing experience having been awarded grants by both the NIH and NSF (Phase I/II SBIR awards). In addition the company has been backed by the Texas Medical Center Venture Fund and most recently, a Fortune 100 Medical Device Company. |
Technology Partners: Briteseed is looking for leading cancer research partners with key expertise in tissue classification using optical regimes, including hyperspectral and fluorescence imaging. This includes optical, computer vision/AR, and imaging system researchers as well as chemical engineering groups delivering robust, relevant contrast agents. Teams with expertise delivering high resolution imaging and clinical development are preferred. Clinical Partners: The company brings clinical expertise in a number of surgical disciplines, but is looking to bolster its team with leading surgical oncologists. Specific areas of preferred expertise include GYN-Onc and prostate cancer surgeons. The Briteseed team is looking for partners with a history of successful interdisciplinary work who value positive, driven collaborators. |
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| Organic Synthesis Section, Center for Cancer Research, National | Martin Schnermann (martin.schnermann@nih.gov) | Frederick, MD | My organic chemistry focused group assembles NIR fluorophores designed for challenging in vivo imaging settings, with a particular emphasis on FGS applications. Within this context, we discover and apply new chemical strategies to modify the cyanine chromophore, resulting in efficient access to stable substituted heptamethine cyanines. Using this chemistry, we've synthesized molecules for various untargeted (bile duct and ureter imaging) and targeted in vivo imaging endeavors (Refs 1 and 2). We have carried our thorough exploration of how probe chemistry influences the tumor targeting capabilities of monoclonal antibody (mAb) conjugates (EGFR- and B7-H3/CD-276-targeting, among others). Through these investigations, we successfully identified FNIR-Tag, a molecule that exhibits exceptional properties for mAb-targeted in vivo imaging (Ref 3). Our collaborative efforts have shown improved in vivo characteristics for other targeting agents, such as nanobodies and peptides (Ref 4). Presently, we are developing a new generation of FNIR-Tag molecules. These molecules will enable the exploration of intracellular targets using NIR probes— an important frontier for the FGS field (Ref 5). Additionally, our team has made substantial progress in developing SWIR probes operating at wavelengths exceeding 1000 nm (Ref 6). These probes hold promise for enabling multicolor in vivo FGS applications. Key References 1 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.01.009 2 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.9b00453 3 10.1021/acschembio.9b00122 4 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00583 5 10.1021/jacs.3c01765 6 10.1038/s41592-022-01394-6 |
My group and I have extensive experience in the design, synthesis and evaluation of NIR probes for optical imaging. We are also experienced with a range of preclinical testing and clinical development efforts. | My group consists of 7-8 organic chemists engaged in a range of imaging probe discovery and targeted drug delivery efforts. I’m a member of the intramural program, Center for Cancer Research, of the National Cancer Institute, and can draw on a range of resources available to NIH investigators. | I am looking for clinically oriented, private and/or public sector partnerships seeking to translate novel FGS agents towards clinical testing. We have portfolio of validated probes and are interested in collaborative opportunities to both apply existing molecules and to develop new agents for FGS applications. |
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| Verizon Public Sector | Karen Kimbro (karen.kimbro@verizon.com) Additional: fdouglas.damon@verizon.com |
Ashburn, VA | Verizon through our private wireless and 5G technologies has enabled other surgical imagining technologies at the VA - Medivis. Our technology enables applications that require augemented or virtual reality used in diagnosis and surgery. | We have experience with surgical virtual reality from our work at the VA. We have successfully been on the team for the Medivis implementation which utilizes our private wireless network and 5G. | We have past performance at the VA and we are part of the 5G use case enablement through the 11TEN health consortium. | We are looking to partner with organizations who will be providing AR/VR products towards the PSI solultions. We enable the solution through our infrastructure. |
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| SAS Institute, Inc. (SAS) | Jenny Peterson (Jenny.Peterson@sas.com) Additional: Katie.izenou@sas.com |
Cary, NC | SAS, with nearly 50 years of analytics experience across various sectors, is the world’s most trusted analytics partner. We're committing $6 billion over six years to enhance our solutions, including for specific industries with features like machine learning, computer vision, text analytics, artificial and generative intelligence and streaming analytics through our cloud-native platform. The health and life sciences sectors heavily depend on SAS. Collaborating with regulators, customers, and industry partners, we've addressed pivotal healthcare challenges. Our analytics are essential in medical device and novel drug development, as well as healthcare areas such as drug safety, health outcomes, epidemiology, and clinical decision-making. We excel where image analysis and computer vision are vital. SAS projects involve image sensing, including digital pathology in oncology, regenerative medicine image analysis, non-invasive cell imaging, and microscopic analysis related to medical device safety and performance. | SAS supports our partners to deliver analytic health innovations to improve lives. With nearly 50 years of analytics experience, SAS offers PSI partners proven advanced analytics at scale with speed to insights, trustworthiness, transparency, and explainability. According to a recent study by the Futurum Group, SAS Viya – SAS’ cloud-native, open source integrating solution – is 30 times faster and 86% more cost-effective than commercial and open-source alternatives. Harnessing AI, machine learning, and real-time streaming analytics, SAS can drive innovations in Enhanced Tissue Visualization. Processing intraoperative data rapidly, SAS analytics can support medical professionals and augment medical devices to differentiate between diseased and healthy tissues. This offers surgeons augmented visuals to ensure precision and safety during procedures. SAS' models can integrate with imaging technologies for Real-time Critical Structure Identification. This ensures critical anatomical structures like nerves and blood vessels are distinctively highlighted, reducing surgical errors. SAS has strong collaborations within the health, life sciences, academia, and governmental sectors. SAS’ expansive presence in the healthcare realm, particularly in the medical device, imaging, and IT integration sectors, underscores our advanced analytics expertise. SAS has global partnerships with prominent healthcare provider organizations and medical device companies, assisting in device development, manufacturing, and safety assurance. |
SAS is globally recognized for aiding governments and businesses in centralizing data and analytics to drive innovation. In our technology-driven era, leaders in various sectors use data analytics to differentiate and innovate. The Precision Surgical Interventions (PSI) initiative, which emphasizes reducing surgical errors and improving tissue visualization, greatly benefits from SAS's cutting-edge analytics. With its expertise in real-time data processing and deep learning, SAS emerges as a pivotal partner for PSI. Having enriched diverse sectors like health and finance with tailor-made solutions, SAS' precision is invaluable in surgical contexts, where minor oversights can have major repercussions. For example, Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC) harnesses SAS AI for to increase speed and accuracy of tumor evaluations, and accelerated cancer research via predictive modelling and advanced analytics. They better identify cancer patients who are candidates for live-saving surgery, and evaluate liver tumors pre- and post-systemic therapy. By aligning with initiatives like AUMC and PSI, SAS exemplifies its commitment to leveraging data for impactful insights, paving the way for advancements in precision medical technology. | SAS seeks a qualified prime partner with expertise in Precision Oncology forming a team co-led by a surgeon and user experience/human factor expert. This prime partner would leverage SAS’ advanced analytics solutions to develop algorithms for precise medical image analysis, anomaly detection, tissue/organ segmentation, and feature extraction. Ideal partners encompass computer vision, imaging, and healthcare expertise, fostering collaborative advanced analytic solutions for precision surgery and healthcare. Deep healthcare understanding, especially in precision surgery and medical imaging, is crucial. Partners must comprehend healthcare challenges, regulations, and best practices – customizing technology for medical professionals. SAS also seeks partners with expertise in advanced medical imaging (e.g., high-res, 3D, specialized modalities) for SAS integration. Partners adept at annotating medical images for ML model training are required. Collaborative data management involving electronic health records, patient data, surgical videos, and medical images, with interoperability in hospital systems, is valued. Compliance with regulations (e.g., HIPAA) and implementing robust security are vital. Partners' UI/UX design skills for intuitive interaction with computer vision tools are needed. Validation of tech in real clinical settings through collaboration is anticipated. |
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| University of Texas at Dallas and UT Southwestern Medical Center | Baowei Fei (bfei@utdallas.edu) Additional: baowei.fei@utsouthwestern.edu |
Dallas, TX | The Center for Imaging and Surgical Innovation (https://imaging.utdallas.edu/) at the University of Texas at Dallas and UT Southwestern Medical Center brings biomedical engineers, imaging and computer scientists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and other clinicians together and translates innovative imaging and surgical technologies from our engineering laboratories to clinical settings with the goal of improving human health. CISI will focus on the research and development of innovative technologies in three major areas: i) Biomedical imaging and augmented reality, ii) Image-guided surgery and robotic intervention, and iii) Artificial intelligence and data science. | Our team in the Center for Imaging and Surgical Innovation (https://imaging.utdallas.edu/) at the University of Texas at Dallas and UT Southwestern Medical Center includes biomedical engineers, imaging and computer scientists, electrical engineers, biologist, pathologist, biostatistician, urologists, oncologists, and other clinicians. We are a leading group in medical hyperspectral imaging and image-guided surgery. One of our perspective hyperspectral imaging papers has been cited more than 2000 times in Google Scholar. We have developed multiple home-made or customized hyperspectral imaging systems for surgical and pathological applications. Our group led the NIH-funded, first-in-human clinical trial on PET/ultrasound fusion targeted biopsy of the prostate, which improved the detection and management of prostate cancer in human patients. We also developed high-speed augmented reality systems for potential applications in precision surgical interventions. | Our research programs are built on numerous ongoing collaborations among UT Southwestern Medical Center, the University of Texas at Dallas, the City of Richardson Innovation Quarter, and the industrial partners. Our Center for Imaging and Surgical Innovation has state-of-the-art facilities located in the new Bioengineering and Science Building. The second Biomedical Engineering and Science Building will be open in the fall 2023 and will host 32 research labs from both UT Southwestern and UT Dallas. The institutions have unique resources, teams, and research environment to ensure the translation of the imaging and AI technology for cancer detection and precision surgery. The team at our Center for Imaging and Surgical Innovation features complementary and integrated expertise and represents a leading group of experts in technical development and clinical translation of cancer imaging and image-guided surgery. | Our Center for Imaging and Surgical Innovation (https://imaging.utdallas.edu/) has research space at the City of Richardson Innovation Quarter (https://richardsoniq.com/) and is looking for industrial partnership and investment for the commercialization of our hyperspectral imaging and augmented reality technologies. We also are looking for partnership with clinical expertise for the translation of our imaging devices and AI technologies. |
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| Weinberg Medical Physics, Inc. | Irving Weinberg (inweinberg@gmail.com) Additional: info@weinbergmedicalphysics.com |
Rockville, MD | We design and build systems for medical and veterinary imaging and image guided therapy. We have built and commercialized PET and MRI scanners for specific indications and specialties, including biopsy guidance and surgical planning. | We are planning to build a C-arm MRI and associated hand-held EPRI system for intraoperative use. This would provide the requisites for real-time cavity imaging with high spatial resolution (TA-1b) as well as localization of important structures during surgery (TA-2). We can. also do specimen imaging (TA-1a) | We are an incubator specializing in medical imaging and image-guided therapy. We have built imaging and radiation therapy systems used by millions of people. We have designed multiple clinical trials and helped get multiple products through FDA. We have spun out companies now valued at hundreds of millions of dollars. We have licensed and/or sold intellectual properties to large and to spin-out companies. | Technical expertise in EPRI; Clinical expertise in surgery for pilot clinical trials; Large companies interested in partnering. |
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| Emory Interventional Radiology (Emory IR) | Zachary Bercu, MD RPVI (zbercu@emory.edu) Additional: janice.newsome@emoryhealthcare.org |
Atlanta, GA | The Division of Interventional Radiology (IR) and Image-Guided Medicine (IGM) at Emory University is one of the largest academic IR programs in the United States. We have renown leaders with unique specialty expertise in: endovascular and percutaneous robotics, advanced imaging modalities, clinical needs driven innovation, interventional oncology (including advanced therapies like Yttrium-90), reproductive health (including uterine and prostate artery embolization), complex pain/palliation interventions, and addressing health inequity in IGM (both in the US and globally). | Division faculty have clinical, educational, and research expertise and have been involved in innovation projects across the globe. Many faculty share close connections with colleagues not just at Emory but at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). Georgia Tech and Emory share a Biomedical Engineering Department and there are faculty members with dual appointments. Faculty have served as clinical advisors for projects at the Georgia Tech Center for Medical Robotics. In addition, faculty are renown for expertise in large datasets, artificial intelligence (AI), and addressing bias in AI and devices. | Emory IR represents the only academic interventional radiology practice in metropolitan Atlanta with patients who travel from all over via Atlanta's busy airport hub to receive care at Emory. Many smaller cities have multiple academic IR programs. As such, Emory IR demonstrates experience and leadership in the vast depth and breadth of image-guided medicine procedures ranging from venous access to trauma. In addition, Emory faculty have pioneered in many areas, including in use of image-guidance for pain interventions (improving quality of life and reducing dependence on opioids). | Emory IR faculty seek to address the challenges for patients today with tomorrow's technologies. Given the unique procedural, imaging, and clinical expertise tied with a background in innovation, Emory IR faculty are primed to help address where advanced imaging and better tools in the space can democratize delivery of care (ensuring the same quality and safety of a procedure regardless of years of experience), improve risk/benefit ratio, reach new targets, and delivery novel therapies safely. |
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| The Netherlands Cancer Institute | Matteo Fusaglia (m.fusaglia@nki.nl) Additional: a.zhylka@nki.nl |
Amsterdam, the Netherlands | The Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) is renowned for its cutting-edge research in various cancer-related fields. Our research focus encompasses areas such as cancer genetics, immunotherapy, personalized medicine and surgical navigation. The institute emphasizes translational research, aiming to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications. This involves developing personalized treatment strategies. The research areas that are pursued by the institute span across radiotherapy, surgical oncology, pathology with all of them integrating and including developments in the field of artificial intelligence. NKI strives to seamlessly bring all the developments into internal clinical practice to provide with cutting edge personalized treatment. The research in surgical oncology spans multiple fronts, including minimally invasive techniques, organ-preserving surgeries, and improving postoperative outcomes. More specifically, these directions include investigations into surgical navigation, image guidance, and artificial intelligence. |
The NKI excels in bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical clinical applications. We can offer expertise in translating research discoveries into clinical practice, experience in validation of the developments via feasibility trials, development of complete and integration into existing surgical workflows and evaluation of clinical benefits. |
We successfully developed and validated methods for automatic identification and localization of abdominal anatomical structures from ultrasound, MRI and CT. These methods aim at improving patient outcomes by accurately estimating tumor and resection margins. Parts of the institute research had spun out into commercial enterprises, in the fields such as surgical navigation (https://bcon-medical.com) and localization for tumor removal (https://www.sirius-medical.com). |
We are looking for collaborators with background in engineering. Experience in instrument development is especially appreciated. Collaborators either academia or industry are welcome. |
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| University of Pittsburgh, UPMC | Jacob Biehl (biehl@pitt.edu) Additional: andrews2@upmc.edu |
Pittsburgh, PA | We are an interdisciplinary team exploring the frontiers of AR and AI in surgical settings. We have focused accomplishments in two main areas. First, we have developed a low-latency streaming platform for visualizing 3D endoscopic visual information as holograms in the OR. Published trials of the system show motion-to-photon latency in our system is objectively comparable to traditional flat panel OR displays and has similar performance in simulated surgical tasks. Combined with holographic visualizations of guidance and vitals, the work is supporting our vision of a minimal footprint, holographic OR. Second, we are building an endovascular robotic platform that leverages haptic interfaces to allow the physician an enhanced understanding of anatomical structures and navigation. The platform is an important step in achieving remote intervention by physicians at quaternary care centers to deliver high quality care on-site in locations where expertise is not practical or possible (e.g. rural hospitals, field-based medical procedures). It is this second area that we believe there is synergistic applications of our work and interests with TA2. | Our team can offer access to a large clinical setting, including faculty/attendings in neurological surgery, orthopedic surgery, urology, plastics, and otolaryngology; access to deep expertise in augmented reality, human factors engineering, and computer vision. The team also has close relationships with established medical device suppliers and has partnered with emerging medical technology startups for pre-clinical evaluation of hardware/software systems for intraoperative AR guidance systems. We are a team that has built a successful working culture across medicine and technology, leading to numerous publications in engineering and medical venues, patent applications for related IP, and early-stage entrepreneurial efforts to spin-out innovations. | The Surreality Lab is a research team drawing from multiple organizations: the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie-Mellon University, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Presbyterian flagship campus. The team is also actively partnering with a Series A startup to bring AR guidance in neurosurgical procedures. The team is composed of attending physicians/faculty, residents, and medical student research fellows within Pitt’s School of Medicine; faculty, graduate, and undergraduate researchers in augmented reality, computer vision, sensing systems, and interaction design from Pitt’s School of Computing and Information; and faculty and doctoral researchers in robotics from CMU’s School of Engineering. | We are excited to engage with experts that share our interests and complement existing expertise in augmented reality, computer vision, anatomical modeling and sensing, and hardware developers to provide new opportunities in anatomy detection, tracking, and 3D reconstruction. Particularly, we are excited to partner with expertise in contrast-driven imaging, detection, and reconstruction of cardiovascular anatomy and structures. We believe we are an ideal team to partner with, as we have strong human factors and clinical expertise, and access to a world-class, top medical training facility in the United States. This includes access to clinical experts, but also facilities for experimentation and evaluation on advanced simulators and cadavers, including research facilities for imaging. |
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| U of Florida | Jorg Peters (jorg.peters@gmail.com) Additional: a.taylor13@ufl.edu |
Gainesville, FL | Radiologist-centered geometric modeling of patient-specific pelvic tumors from scan data | Visualization, geometric and physics model building and registration, soft tissue simulation | Geometric model creation and virtual reality expertise | Complementary PSI capabilities, primarily in vivo signal of anatomic deformation indicators and locators to register pre-built models |
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| Berthiaume Institute for University of Notre Dame | Prakash Nallathamby (pnallath@nd.edu) Additional: chornbec@nd.edu |
Notre Dame, IN | The Berthiaume Institute for Precision Health (BIPH) at the University of Notre Dame serves its community by fostering both discovery-based and hypothesis-driven research, educating and training students, and moving proven ideas out of the lab and into broader use. Current research focus areas include label-free targeting cancer cells in a cancer agnostic manner, as well as countering chemoresistance. | We have developed T2 MRI contrast magnetoelectric-silica nanoparticles (MagSiNs) that can encapsulate other contrast agents (fluorescent or chromogenic), is cancer agnostic, and localizes to cancer cells specifically in vitro and in vivo. When the surface charge of the MagSiNs was tuned using an external magnetic field, the MagSiNs are cancer agnostic and in vitro they targeted and accumulated in triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC), prostate cancer (PC3), and Ovarian cancer (A2780) while not accumulating in normal tissue as published (https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15101216). We have also been able to target them to TNBC tumors in vivo in orthotopic mouse tumor models as well lung metastasis model. We think this can be optimized to address Technical area 1-B and possibly TA1-A. | Our core strength is nanomaterials synthesis and optimization to make them biocompatible for contrast agent applications. | We are looking to be a sub to teams with surgical expertise, device expertise, and image processing expertise. |
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| Leica Microsystems, a Danaher Company | Ute Pokorny (ute.pokorny@leica-microsystems.com) Additional: manon.rostykus@leica-microsystems.com |
Heerbrugg, Switzerland / Washington, DC | By integrating surgical microscopy with intelligent guidance and other imaging technologies beyond visible light, we deliver the insight surgeons need to make better clinical decisions and improve patient outcomes. | Our organization is expert in surgical microscopy and visualization augmentation in microsurgery procedures. Our intraoperative solutions are providing microscopic imaging of the resection cavity and critical structures visualization, that can address PSI challenges. | We have expertise in in vivo microscopic imaging and in image augmentation for critical structures visualization. | Our organization is looking for partners with complementary solutions to aid surgeons to make more informed clinical decisions and improve patient outcome. |
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| Weill Cornell Medicine / New York Presbyterian Hospital | Bradley Pua (brp9018@med.cornell.edu) Additional: ars2013@med.cornell.edu |
New York, NY | • Our team is creating new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of serious internal diseases by fusing and upgrading the most advanced tools in imaging, device development, and artificial intelligence. Our focus has been on GI, lung, and urologic diseases. Using an advanced software and data ecosystem (High-performance integrated virtual environment) we are able to seamlessly integrate and improve technologies, for example, creating 3-D images of organs and surrounding critical anatomical structures in real-time, then superimposing these images onto the patient using intraprocedural screens and augmented reality headgear. Using these tools, we are diagnosing and repairing diseased organs using novel needle punctures and tiny incisions, with a mission to improve outcomes and safety, and lower healthcare costs. • Our vision is to also create an all-inclusive data repository that allows use of advanced data analytics to improve the technologies and procedures themselves through better prediction and evaluation of outcomes. |
• Large healthcare organization on the east coast with extensive networking capabilities with other multiple large national & international healthcare institutions • Team consisting of surgeons, interventional radiologists, data scientists, software engineers all working in harmony. • Proven track record of bringing innovations quickly to the bedside: treating many patients already using novel advanced technologies that we have created with partners. • Unique high-performance integrated virtual environment originally created by the FDA but transformed by our team into a power clinical and research resource that allows integration of any perioperative tools and technologies. • Flexible team to work with innovators within the PSI community to help them advance their solutions. |
• Strengths: Multiple disciplines already working together (in 2021 we formed Center for Intelligent Image-Guided Interventions), involving colorectal, urologic, thoracic surgeons, interventional radiology, data scientists and software engineers. • Experience: Pioneered minimally invasive surgery since the 1990s including multiple innovations in the fields of colorectal, lung, and urological surgery (e.g. 1998 1st trial in the USA comparing laparoscopic vs open CRC surgery). 15+ years of experience in working with regulators (e.g. FDA, PMDA, MHRA) and payors. National and international leadership in using data sciences with big data approach in device research. Pioneering image-guided techniques for percutaneous treatment of cancers. |
• Looking for partners who want to make transformational, not incremental improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of internal diseases, including use of advanced imaging, image fusion methods between radiologic, video, and endoscopic platforms. • Use of novel tools including cells, antibodies, genetic materials, new forms of energy, etc. to directly diagnose and target diseases using advanced imaging methods and tools such that safety and outcomes will be improved, and healthcare costs will be lowered. • Partners willing to take advantage of our integrator ecosystem. • Approaches should be developed that will be widely translatable and usable everywhere. |
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| OnLume Surgical | Christie Lin (Christie.Lin@onlume.com) Additional: Adam.Uselmann@onlume.com |
Madison, WI | OnLume Surgical is a medical device company that develops innovative medical imaging technology designed to advance surgical precision, improve patient outcomes, and reduce morbidity and costs. The OnLume Avata System received FDA 510(k) clearance for fluorescence imaging of blood flow and tissue perfusion before, during, and after vascular, gastrointestinal, organ transplant, plastic, reconstructive, and micro surgeries. Furthermore, we have developed imaging platforms for backtable imaging, histology, and pathology. Our imaging devices support translational imaging from preclinical to clinical applications. Our current fluorescence-guided surgery research focuses include intraoperative imaging of both cancerous tissue and critical structures, including: 1) blood flow and perfusion in reconstruction, 2) lymphatics and lymph nodes, 3) damaged tissue, and 4) cancer margins. |
As innovators in fluorescence-guided surgery, OnLume strives to enable precision surgical intervention with ergonomic imagers without compromising image quality. Not only do we bring fluorescence imaging out of the dark, but we also provide robust and quantitative fluorescence that allows for surgeons to visualize and interpret both healthy and diseased tissue in real time. Our imaging systems are designed to minimally disrupt clinical workflow to empower evidence-based surgical decisions. Since our inception in 2015, we have worked closely with surgeons, agent developers, and academia to address the biggest challenges limiting the adoption of fluorescence-guided surgery, including technical performance hurdles and usability in clinical workflow integration. We are eager to work with teaming partners who seek to translate and advance agents from design through first-in-human to approval. |
The OnLume team has in-house commercialization, research, and development expertise in medical devices. We have proven the ability to design and develop an NCI-funded and FDA-cleared imaging system in a cost-effective and timely manner. Furthermore, we are also supported by strong collaborators both in industry and academia and have demonstrated the clinical value of our innovations on clinical outcomes. The OnLume Avata Imaging System strengths lie in our high dynamic range, high resolution image quality, zoom, autofocus, relative quantification, real-time contour mapping, and ambient light immunity. |
We are seeking to partner with contrast agent developers focused on first-in-human and clinical trial applications. We also seek to support translation of promising contrast agents from preclinical to clinical settings via custom translational imaging platforms. |
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| NanoInk Imaging, Inc. | Mark Ravera (mravera@nanoinkimaging.com) Additional: amoghe@nanoinkimaging.com |
Basking Ridge, NJ | NanoInk Imaging, a spin-out of Rutgers University, is developing an optical imaging technology that works in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) range. Our technology is based on patented nanoparticles that contain rare earth elements wrapped in an albumin shell. Albumin allows our nanoparticles to be functionalized with any tumor-specific targeting molecule (antibodies, peptides or small molecules). These nanoparticles provide high specificity because they can be easily targeted to different types of cancer. They also provide better resolution and sharper images because of the low background that is inherent with SWIR light. Because SWIR-based imaging requires detection hardware that is sensitive to these wavelengths, we have developed a prototype hand-held SWIR imager for use in the OR. |
While long used in the military, Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) light has not been used in the clinical arena due to a lack of SWIR-emitting contrast agents that are safe and targeted. NanoInk Imaging is developing the only SWIR-emitting nanoparticles in development for clinical use under an exclusive license from Rutgers University. Current optical imaging approaches are limited due to reliance on visible or near-infrared light, which exhibit attenuation and autofluorescence following interaction with blood and tissue. In contrast, SWIR light travels through blood and tissue with less scattering and exhibits minimal tissue autofluorescence. Our nanoparticles offer four critical attributes. Each is highly desirable, but when taken in combination, can create a transformative imaging solution. - First, the nanoprobes can be addressed to specific cancers with high on-target accumulation. - Second, the nanoprobe design obviates the need for patient exposure to high concentrations of contrast agent. - Third, the rare-earth cores emit intense infrared light, which is minimally attenuated by tissue and can thus be detected from the smallest clusters of sub-surface cancer cells. - Fourth, the nanoprobes are safe and fully cleared from circulation after imaging. |
Our team has extensive experience with: - in vivo imaging - nanoparticle synthesis, including scale-up - cell-surface specific targeting of nanoparticles - designing and building imaging hardware Our expertise is in: - optical engineering - in vivo tumor model development - market validation and product-market fit - materials science and engineering |
Our imaging technology provides highly specific functional images using our SWIR-emitting nanoparticles and hand-held imaging device. We would be interesting in meeting with organizations that have expertise in high-resolution structural imaging and clinical systems integration. |
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| Quadridox | Joel Greenberg (joel.greenberg@quadridox.com) Additional: david.coccarelli@quadridox.com |
Hillsborough, NC | Quadridox is focused on developing X-ray diffraction imaging systems for automated cancer detection and soft tissue analysis. X-ray diffraction has long been the gold standard for studying the atomic structure of biological materials (e.g., confirming the double-helix structure of DNA or studying the viruses); however, the majority of this work has relied on the use of synchrotrons and/or destructive sample preparation. At Quadridox, we are combining state-of-the-art components with novel computational X-ray imaging architectures and algorithms to realize clinically-relevant X-ray diffraction imaging systems that can perform 2D and 3D evaluation of tissue samples. By combining AI with our unique volumetric hyperspectral X-ray imaging datasets, we have already shown the ability to positively identify glioblastoma in the brain and invasive carcinoma in the breast - going forward, we are focused on more rapidly making higher-resolution images of a variety of different organs and diseases to improve pathology workflows, precision surgery, and cancer research. | Quadridox's technology is a first-of-its-kind X-ray imaging scanner for rapid, nondestructive imaging of tissue specimens. It combines conventional transmission X-ray imaging (which is already part of the surgery/pathology workflow) with X-ray diffraction imaging to generate multi-modality datasets for use by clinicians and/or AI to identify the presence and location of cancer within resected tissue. We are excited to tailor this capability to the needs of the PSI researchers and clinical users. | The Quadridox team includes world experts in the areas of physics modeling, statistical and information theoretic analysis, hardware design/prototyping of computational sensing systems, algorithm development, and developing large-scale and efficient computation systems. We bring decades of combined experience performing R&D for various US Government organizations as well as successful partnerships with vendors in multiple sectors. In addition, members of our team have worked extensively with medical device companies, both startups and established institutions, to bring to market a variety of medical imaging and surgical devices. | Quadridox is looking for teaming partners that can provide access to tissue samples for testing and evaluation of our system, opportunities to site our system and conduct pilot studies in a real-world environment, clinicians with insight into the needs of the end-user and an understanding of the surgical/pathology workflow, and researchers/third-party sites to evaluate the efficacy of the system and explore scientific adjacencies of the technology. |
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| AiM Medical Robotics Inc. | Gregory Fischer (gfischer@aimmedicalrobotics.com) Additional: info@aimmedicalrobotics.com |
Worcester, MA | AiM Medical Robotics is a Massachusetts-based surgical robotics company bringing high levels of precision, automation, and efficiency, to the complex environment of neurosurgery, an ultimately other anatomy. AiM is commercializing a portable MRI-compatible surgical robot that can account for brain shift and enable real-time monitoring. AiM’s proprietary and patented platform technology for MRI-compatible surgical robotics is based on 15 years and ~$15M of NIH supported research by the company’s founders in collaboration with, Johns Hopkins University, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Our initial indication will improve outcomes for patients undergoing neurosurgery for functional brain disorders, as well as brain cancer ablation, which has to-date been demonstrated in preclinical cadaveric trials. AiM’s approach is to streamline the workflow and enable intraoperative MR imaging coupled with robotic precision. Our initial product is a fully MRI-compatible actuated stereotactic frame that will address the large and growing neuromodulation market by enabling rapid, precise, asleep placement of deep brain stimulation electrodes. The regulatory pathway is anticipated to be a 510(k) without requiring human data for the initial indication. We anticipate IRB-approved single-site first-in-human trials beginning in Q1 ’24 and product launch with FDA 510(k) submission in Q1 ’25 and product launch in 2025. | AiM Medical Robotics was founded in 2008 with the intention to commercialize image-guided surgical robotics technology developed under research funding. The founders of AiM Medical robotics have been a PI or lead investigator on ~$15M of NIH funding to support the technology upon which AiM’s platform is based. The company has expertise in commercial medical device design, manufacturing, human factors, quality management, regulatory, reimbursement, marketing, and sales. AiM’s co-founder has spent a career in academia before transitioning to a leadership role as CEO of the company. The company is poised to be able to take technology developed in an R&D setting and transition it to first-in-human trials, and ultimately commercialization. AiM has a platform technology for MR image-guided robot-assisted surgical interventions that supports multiple clinical applications, and has been applied this far in prostate and neurosurgical scenarios. We can help support the commercial deployment of a variety of image-guided surgical technologies, and our robotic platform can be a delivery mechanism for new instrumentation and concurrent imaging techniques. | AiM’s founders and collaborators are pioneers in MRI-compatible surgical robot technology. We have expertise and substantial experience in the development of complete, integrated systems for MR image-guide, robot-assisted interventions. Our systems have been used in phantom, acute animal, survival animal, human cadaver, and human clinical trials. AiM has the ability to work with partners on enabling the use of various different sensing and/or manipulation capabilities in the MRI suite. Further, as a commercial entity with close ties to academia and clinical research, AiM can help support “bench to bedside” transitional work for image-guided surgical robot technology. We can provide commercialization support including defining clinical user needs with our network of physicians, development under QMS, design for manufacturing, regulatory submission, marketing, sales, and clinical support. | AiM is looking to find partners to support their transition from federally funded research in image-guided interventions and robotic surgery to commercial deployment. We are also looking for partners with technology to support or augment our primary clinical application of stereotactic neurosurgery, including intraoperative imaging techniques and dexterous needle-based manipulation. |
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| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | Maie St. John MD, PhD (mstjohn@mednet.ucla.edu) Additional: dsajed@mednet.ucla.edu |
Los Angeles, CA | The primary management of oral and head and neck cancer (OSCC) relies on complete surgical resection of the tumor. There is a critical unmet gap in the areas of intraoperative cancer margin delineation and precise surgical treatment of head and neck cancers. establishment of negative margin complete resection is often difficult given the devastating side effects of aggressive surgery and the anatomic proximity to vital structures such as the carotid artery. Positive margin status is associated with significantly decreased survival. Currently, the surgeon’s fingers determine where tumor cuts are made by palpating the edges of the tumor. Accuracy varies widely based on the experience of the surgeon and the location and type of the tumor. The ability to accurately determine whether the excised margins are tumor-free intraoperatively would reduce the risk of recurrence and the need for subsequent surgeries while preserving patient function. There is an unmet gap in the areas of intraoperative cancer margin delineation and precise surgical treatment of head and neck cancers. To address the missing critical need, we have developed a promising dynamic optical contrast imaging (DOCI) technique that can delineate oral cancer margins in clinical fields in vivo. DOCI has high fidelity contrast over a clinically relevant wide field; is invariant to the clutter in the surgical field; and is label-free and does not use any contrast agents. DOCI images are generated in real-time and provide the surgeon with an easy-to-interpret, color-coded map of the surgical field (in < 45 seconds). DOCI can also detect perineural invasion that is not grossly visible to white light. We have demonstrated intraoperatively that DOCI is effective at discriminating cancer margins from other surrounding tissues in patients, and therefore, is useful in driving additional, as-needed biopsies or resection in real-time in patients undergoing surgery, ensuring complete cancer resection and thus, better outcomes for patients. OSCC patients and patients with any solid cancers have the capacity to benefit from DOCI in improving their survival and functional outcomes. | Our interdisciplinary cross-institutional team across major research institutions integrates experts with complementary and broad-based expertise spanning multiple fields including head and neck surgery, cancer biology, pathology and laboratory medicine, dermatology, biomedical engineering, optical imaging, nanophotonics, and biostatistics. Our team also includes additional members from industry partners in medical technology, the US Navy, community and patient partners, and global industry partners. Significant institutional support from the two academic institutions (UCLA and Duke) including Cancer Centers and CTSAs is available as well. | This grant integrates and has the strong support of the medical engineering and systems-building capabilities of two leading organizations at major academic institutions, the Duke Fitzpatrick Institute for Photonics and the Departments of Biomedical Engineering, and Chemistry, with the clinical and diagnostic expertise of the UCLA Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Pathology, Dermatology, and Biostatistics to deliver a truly multimodal, interdisciplinary solution to some of today’s most pressing medical needs. This Award is critical for us to develop this novel system, as it will provide the crucial platform to identify a promising intervention that warrants larger-scale research efforts in high-precision surgery of multiple solid cancers and or multi-site clinical trials. The team’s strengths and experience include: substantial clinical experience in head and neck surgery for cancer patients, dermatology, pathology; intraoperative real-time in vivo imaging; fresh tissue procurement and analysis; biostatistics; development of user-friendly clinical environments; prototyping, translating and fielding optical/laser systems for industrial, military, and dental/medical applications; radiology; biophotonics and nanophotonic-based medical imaging with clinical applications; biomedical technology research; micro-scale precision surgery and cutaneous oncology; and more. |
The team would be interested in identifying academic institutions with complementary expertise, additional industry and community/patient partners as well as global partners interested in partnering on this project. |
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| Center for Advanced Imaging Innovation and Research (CAI2R), NYU Langone Health | Patryk Filipiak (patryk.filipiak@nyulangone.org) Additional: steven.baete@nyulangone.org |
New York, NY | Research at CAI2R is primarily focused on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We also explore positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound (US), alone or in combination with MRI. CAI2R pursues innovation in four areas: fast, intelligent acquisition, reconstruction, and analysis of imaging data; self-calibrating image acquisition methods and flexible hardware; complementing magnetic resonance data with information gathered simultaneously through positron emission tomography and novel sensing strategies; obtaining cellular-level information from MR signal. Our project team within CAI2R specializes in high-precision tractography — a non-invasive visualization technique that reconstructs structural brain connections from diffusion MRI. The goals of our reconstructions are to aid presurgical planning in brain tumor resections and to provide neuroscientists with the most reliable brain connectivity models. |
We offer our know-how of modeling brain macro- and microstructure. In particular, we offer our method called Orientation Distribution Function Fingerprinting (ODF-FP) together with its software implementation which outperforms the majority of current white matter fiber reconstruction techniques. It is powerful in visualizations of motor- and language-related fascicles which are frequently impacted by brain tumors. | CAI2R researchers are co-located with a large number of clinical radiologists and are embedded within our broader Radiology research team of approximately 130 people, including nearly 35 full-time research faculty and a diverse mix of students, fellows, administrators, and onsite industry scientists. Our project research team further has an ongoing funded collaboration with top-tier neurosurgeons at NYU which allows us to acquire pre-surgical MRI datasets. | We are seeking partners able to provide solutions that would bring our reconstruction method to the operating room. For this, we need high-precision neuronavigation tools equipped with auto-calibration mechanisms and graphical user interfaces able to present our visualization live during the surgical procedure. |
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| Advanced Scanners Inc | Aaron Bernstein (aaronb@advancedscanners.comg) Additional: dougf@advancedscanners.com |
Austin, TX | Advanced scanners is a startup based in Austin Texas dedicated to innovating for better surgical navigation and targeting of pathological tissue. We are researching the use of our novel 3D scanning technology for providing up-to-date information to surgeons about patient anatomy for better surgical navigation. We do this by registering and re-registering our intraoperative (in-vivo) optical scans with preoperative volumetric scans taken of patient rigid and soft tissues. We are moving forward with fast scans (data taken in 1/30th of a second) as well as transitioning away fiducials like patient trackers that are rigidly attacked to the patient, relying instead on anatomical landmarks. We are also researching a capability of our device for tissue differentiation (NDA-level discussions for details) to help visualize cancers (so far on the millimeter-centimeter spatial scales) that are not readily discernible to the human eye, but can be detected sensitively using certain optical parameters. One example is the distinguishing of astrocytoma from healthy tissue in brain cancer. |
TA1-A: Our device offers efficient 3D scans of ROIs at a meso-scale to optimally guide the navigation of the primary 0.5-micron imager. Our additional capability of tissue differentiation sensitive to relatively macroscopic signatures of cancer, may guide the 0.5-micron imaging to optimal ROIs within the field of view (FOV). Our tissue differentiation scans take less than one minute and can encompass the entire FOV. TA1-B: What we offer for in-vitro use is also relevant for in-vivo use. Our scanner has already been used in the sterile field. However, interoperative imaging at 0.5 micron resolution must accommodate movement due to respiration/pulsatility. We are developing the device for use in a fast mode for monitoring this motion at 10s of Hz. This, coupled with our tissue differentiation capability, may guide the primary imaging device to optimal ROIs, as part of a multi-scale end-to-end approach. TA2: Our device offers highly detailed 3D scans in full color or at select wavelengths (e.g. for greatest contrast with dyes), with submillimeter accuracy, for updating preoperative volumetric imaging with current patient anatomy. This brings MRIs or CT scans into relevancy during surgery, and indicates the position of subsurface features, fulfilling the mission of this technical area. |
We have novel patented hardware and developed software specifically for surgical use, and performed clinical studies (non-pivotal), and cadaver and animal studies, to fine-tune the device for 3D scanning for registration and tissue differentiation. For TA1, we have developed our device to be integrated as an adjunct into other systems, which streamlines its incorporation into a potential multi-scale end-to-end solution. For TA2, we have experience registering our scans with preoperative images for submillimeter accurate navigation. We have integrated and automated our scanner into market-leading surgical navigation companies. We are currently involved in IRB studies at top-tier institutions and, as such, have experience developing protocols and research programs. The CTO has a Ph.D. in Optical Science and Engineering, invented the device, has been PI on multi-institutional, large-scale collaborations, and has used the device intraoperatively at multiple institutions. Other full time PhDs (biomedical and computer science) are contributing to this effort. Members of our leadership team have experience successfully bringing new medical devices into market, which helps to ensure that solutions developed for this BAA are successful as tools for the surgeon. Our device is at TRL-5, a sterile drape has been developed and manufactured with appropriate labelling. |
General: * Excellent medical research institutions for IRB approved research * Teams with existing surgeon-facing technologies during surgical interventions for cancer For TA1: * Teams with imaging modalities that can identify cancer with 0.5 micron resolution (whether dependent on dye, or not), who are interested in a multi-scale approach. * Robotics teams for positioning/holding imaging devices for ROI scans. For TA2: * Teams with auto-segmenting capabilities for MRI and CT data * Teams for FEM simulations of biomechanical models * Teams with experience setting up data and AI pipelines to handle time-series 3d intraoperative scans (uploaded postoperatively) |
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| University of Rochester BME/OPT | Michael Giacomelli (mgiacome@ur.rochester.edu) Additional: bonnie.lipari@rochester.edu |
Rochester, NY | We have a strong focus on optical engineering and translation of surgical imaging technologies into clinical trials. | We build high throughput (100s of MP/s), high resolution (100s of nanometer) fluorescent imaging systems into surgical microscopes that are used to evaluate margins in cancer surgery. We have experience in the design of optics and clinical trials at our medical center. | Optical engineering, clinical trials, surgery | Software expertise, machine learning, classification, additional clinical/imaging collaborators. | Technical area 1-A: Bedside visualization of resected tumor margins; |
| Children's National - Sheikh Zayed Institute (SZI) for Pediatric Surgical Innovation | Richard Cha (jcha2@cnmc.org) Additional: asandler@cnmc.org |
Washington, DC | Launched in September 2009, the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation (SZI) at Children’s National Hospital in Washington DC is redefining what is possible in surgery through innovative, integrated research. The mission of the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation (SZI) is to make pediatric surgery more precise, less invasive and pain free. Our focus areas include technology innovation, pediatric device development and basic science designed to improve any interventions in pediatric patients. By combining research and clinical work in this area, the Institute is developing knowledge, tools, and procedures that will benefit children in the Washington region, across the country, and around the world. Clinicians work side by side with scientists and bioengineers, identifying challenges and exploring solutions, while trainees and students present their work every week alongside faculty during Innovation Rounds. |
The Institute currently has more than 15 investigators primarily affiliated with SZI and more than 70 technical and scientific staff, including postgraduate and graduate students and fellows. The Institute is further supported by, and has access to, more than 600 clinicians and clinician-scientists with Children’s National Hospital and the Children’s National Research Institute, the research arm of Children’s National. The research animal facility is located on the west side of the P-1 level of Children’s National Hospital. The facility serves three main functions: a) to house and maintain, both short and long-term, animals needed for investigators in all research centers of our institution, b) to provide surgical suites, equipped with anesthetic and surgical equipment, and personnel needed to support research projects of investigators, c) to provide an animal research laboratory for both large and small animals, equipped with cardiovascular, respiratory and radiographic equipment needed to conduct state-of-the-art physiologic research. Our institution has been fully accredited by the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, International (AAALAC) since June 9th 1981 without lapse. Our research facility has on file with the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW), an approved Assurance Statement (#D16-00219 (A3338-01)). |
Vision and Robotics Laboratory: Dr. Richard Cha is engaged in research efforts designed to spur innovation in surgical care. The purpose of the lab is twofold. First, to develop imaging devices that serve an unmet need in the operating room, with the goal of reducing complications and improving outcomes. Second, to establish an infrastructure within which scientists, engineers, and clinicians work together in a close feedback loop to rapidly convert ideas into useable tools. Optics/Imaging Laboratory. This facility serves as the area for development of custom optics prototypes and electronics testing and integration. It is equipped with a comprehensive collection of industrial cameras, lenses, optics mounting hardware and electronic development tools including bench power supplies, signal generator, oscilloscope, and logic analyzer. Robotics Laboratory. The V&R Lab maintains a dedicated area for surgical robotics research, centered around a pair of KUKA LWR4 manipulators outfitted with Robotiq end-effectors. Additional equipment includes haptic feedback controllers and dedicated workstations for simulation and virtual prototyping. The V&R Lab has access to a shared SZI machine shop for fabrication of custom hardware such as brackets, enclosures, and anatomical phantoms. The facility includes tools for 3D printing, CNC milling, and laser cutting. |
We are seeking industrial partners that have experiences with medical device development and can facilitate commercialization of our imaging technology such as GMP production, regulatory, and marketing/sales. |
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| ARALE Laboratory | Hakjae Lee (hakjaelee@aralelab.com) Additional: jungyeol@korea.ac.kr |
Seoul, Korea | We are focusing on the development of gamma ray imaging devices to be utilized at the cancer operation room. | We have a lot of cutting edge technologies to get high resolution real-time gamma radiation image. Especially, For the SLNB, we have a prototype model of a novel handheld wireless gamma camera. Moreover, a tiny gamma camera for robot assisted cancer surgery is under development. | Technologies to reduce the size of conventional gamma camera to be about 200 times smaller than the conventional nuclear medicine devices. | Clinicians who need to find cancerous tissues, which may be located more than 1cm deeper from the surgical surface. |
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| Hyperfine, Inc. | Michael Poole (mpoole@hyperfine.iog) Additional: rohalloran@hyperfine.io |
Guilford, CT | Hyperfine made the world's first portable point of care MRI system. FDA cleared for head imaging for all ages, the Swoop MRI system can scan in any professional healthcare environment because it doesn't need to be operated in an RF screened room. Our research is clinical applications of MRI at the point of care, including the neuro ICU, and exploring numerous applications in and out of hospital and in low- and middle-income countries. | Hyperfine could engineer MRI systems that may be used to image anatomy at the point of care. For PSI this could mean using MRI during interventions without the need for expensive MRI systems and infrastructure. | Our organisation has experience developing low field MRI devices. | We are looking for partners that are able to provide tools for interventional surgery compatible with MRI and groups that would validate an approach to track anatomy during procedures. |
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| NanoInk Imaging, Inc. | Mark Ravera (mravera@nanoinkimaging.comg) Additional: amoghe@nanoinkimaging.com |
Basking Ridge, NJ | NanoInk Imaging, a spin-out of Rutgers University, is developing an optical imaging technology based on functionalized nanoparticles that emit short-wave infrared (SWIR) light. Our patented nanoparticles contain rare earth elements wrapped in an albumin shell. Albumin allows our nanoparticles to be functionalized with any tumor specific targeting molecule (antibodies, peptides or small molecule). Our nanoparticles offer enhanced tissue transparency, deeper tissue illumination potential, and molecular targeting of tumor markers. Also, the lack of tissue autofluorescence that is inherent in SWIR imaging provides lower background and higher contrast images. Our team is the first to develop rare earth nanoparticles that are safe and targeted. We have carried out multiple studies in small animal models of cancer that have demonstrated the efficacy of the technology in delivering unmatched sensitivity for tumor detection and surveillance. We have also developed prototype SWIR-sensing instrumentation compatible with current surgical workflows to enable margin assessment during oncosurgery. More recently, we have demonstrated that our nanoparticles can be used to clearly monitor levels of both CD8+ cells in the tumor microenvironment and MDS cells in the pre-metastatic niche. |
Our SWIR-emitting nanoprobes are a new class of optical nanoparticles with four critical attributes. Each is highly desirable, but in combination, they can create a transformative solution. 1. The nanoparticles can be targeted to specific cancers with high on-target accumulation; they can also be targeted to pan-tumor antigens, giving them a much broader applicability. 2. The design obviates the need for patient exposure to high concentrations of contrast agent. 3. The rare-earth cores emit intense short-wave infrared light, with minimal attenuation by tissue and can thus detect the smallest clusters of sub-surface cancer cells. 4. The nanoparticles are safe and fully cleared from circulation after imaging. Our technology can provide direct tumor visualization with high resolution and signal-to-background ratios. In terms of functional imaging, our nanoparticles provide a high degree of molecular specificity for different disease targets. |
Our team has extensive experience in: - synthesis and characterization of biocompatible nanoparticles - comparative in vivo imaging studies (SWIR vs. NIR or MRI for example) - designing and building SWIR-specific hardware - in vivo oncology models, including orthotopic and metastatic models Our team members have expertise in: - in vivo cancer model development - nanoparticle synthesis and scale-up - optical engineering - market assessment and product-market fit validation - materials science |
We would be interested in meeting with organizations that have expertise in structural imaging and in design and implementation of clinical hardware and software. |
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| Ziteo Medical | Lucile Dauffy (ldauffy@ziteo.com) Additional: lmihailescu@ziteo.com |
Pleasant Hill, CA | Ziteo Medical is developing a portable and robotic high-resolution medical imaging system that can image tumors and other lesions and abnormalities 10X smaller than currently possible, catching diseases earlier, when they are easier to treat. This breakthrough technology co-registers real-time sub-mm resolution SPECT imaging with ultrasound imaging, fluorescent imaging, the 3D mesh of the patient created by a computer vision camera, and the RGB image of the patient. This would be a game changer for a surgeon as the HD SPECT image co-registered with the image of the patient (both mesh and RGB) would allow him to visualize tumors (main and secondary foci) inside the patient in real-time before the first incision. This system would then guide the surgeon toward the tumor thanks to the fast refresh-rate HD SPECT superimposed onto the ultrasound image, sparing critical structures imaged by the ultrasound. Finally, when close to the tumor, the surgeon would switch from SPECT/ultrasound mode to ultrasound/fluorescent mode and be able to precisely visualize the extent of the tumor to excise it all. Checking for tumor margins will be done just after excision using the same ultrasound/fluorescent imaging mode. |
Ziteo Medical can offer a solution for surgeons to see the main tumor as well as secondary foci through tens of centimeters of tissues, guide them through healthy tissue, highlighting blood vessels and nerves, and lead the scalpel to the exact location of the lesions. During excision, the molecular-lit gross margins will be augmented onto the live ultrasound image, and after excision the fluorescent-lit fine margins will be augmented onto the live ultrasound image. Then our teaming partners will do the pathology of the excised tumor and give the results back to the surgeon who will either excise the leftover margins if cancerous tissue is found to be still in the cavity or close up the patient if margins are found negative. | The Ziteo Medical team is made of over 20 world experts in high-resolution and sensitivity SPECT imaging, next-gen radiation detectors, medical robotics, medical device, image reconstruction, image visualization software, molecular imaging applications, device quality and regulatory, marketing. We also have on our Clinical Advisory Board the presidents and past presidents of the 2 largest societies ruling medical imaging, RSNA and SNMMI. SNMMI’s executive team is calling our technology a breakthrough technology not seen in molecular imaging for many decades. Ziteo Medical’s executive team is made of senior professionals who have successfully led many medical devices to market, have managed large budgets, and have a track record of hiring the right experts. | We are potentially looking to team up with pathology specialists, and with partners who are developing a fluorescent imaging system or a novel highly-targeting radiopharmaceutical. |
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| Lumicell, Inc. | Jorge Ferrer, PhD (jmferrer@lumicell.com) Additional: bschlossberg@lumicell.com |
Newton, MA | Lumicell focuses on developing intraoperative fluorescence imaging systems to identify cancer during surgery to assist the surgeon achieve a complete resection. We have developed a novel activatable imaging drug (LUMISIGHT) that labels both the tumor and the body’s immune response at the tumor’s invasive front to achieve a complete resection. Our research initially targeted breast cancer for which we also developed a proprietary imaging device and a tumor detection algorithm. Our drug/device combination product is currently under review by FDA (NDA for the drug, PMA for the device) with expected approval by the end of this year. We are now focusing our research in next generation systems, optics and novel algorithms for other cancer indications using our tumor-agnostic imaging drug LUMISIGHT. | Lumicell offers a driven scientific and engineering team with expertise in development of imaging drugs, imaging devices and clinical trial design and execution. Lumicell strongly believes that our imaging drug LUMISIGHT is the founding block for next generation developments for precision surgical interventions in cancer treatment, providing a unique fluorescence signature at the tumor and its immediate invasive front. We expect LUMISIGHT to be approved for breast cancer by the end of this year. Our team also offers very strong collaborations with top-tier cancer centers including MGH-Brigham, MD Anderson, Stanford, Duke Medical Center and Cleveland Clinic as well as regional hospitals across the USA to conduct clinical trials. We have extensive regulatory experience including FDA submissions including IND/NDA (CDER) and IDE/PMS (CDERH) for imaging combination products. | Lumicell’s strengths include expertise in understanding the unmet needs in cancer surgery and translating this into new technologies for ease of implementation in the operating room. This expertise stems from current engagements with Key Opinion Leaders across multiple cancer indications. This led to the development of our breakthrough imaging drug LUMISIGHT expected to be approved by FDA this year. Lumicell has strong experience in optics, fluorescence imaging technologies and medical device development. We have an extensive track record for clinical trial design and execution for image guided cancer surgeries, conducted with an internal team and CROs. As a complex combination product for our flagship system in breast cancer, Lumicell knows how to navigate the regulatory landscape for both drugs (CDER) and medical devices (CDRH) from first-in-man Phase I IND studies and early feasibility IDE studies to NDA and PMA submissions. Lumicell also has experienced Business Development and Commercial Teams to complement the R&D team to establish strong strategic partnerships and ensure commercial viability of new developments, including reimbursement strategies. | Lumicell is looking for partnership in the areas of Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence (ML/AI) to develop next generation tumor detection algorithms. This partnership will be leveraged with thousands of fluorescence images for the detection of residual cancer in breast cancer surgeries collected throughout Lumicell’s clinical trials. We are also seeking partners for intraoperative, in vivo multispectral imaging of tissue, which combined with ML/AI, can achieve unprecedented ability to detect tumor and differentiate relevant biological structures (nerves, blood vessels, etc.) to maximize tumor detection (high sensitivity), while sparing non-tumor tissue (high specificity). Lumicell has already secured verbal commitment Precision Healing, a spin-off company from Lumicell that has developed a multispectral imaging system to characterize the wound healing process, that we plan to adapt for cancer surgery. Lumicell is also interested in a partnership with a team developing fluorescence life-time technologies that can further enhance tumor detection. |
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| Invenio Imaging Inc. | Christian Freudiger, PhD (chris@invenio-imaging.com) Additional: jay@invenio-imaging.com |
Santa Clara, CA | Invenio is developing and marketing the NIO Laser Imaging System to streamline intraoperative histology using laser spectroscopy and artificial intelligence (AI). The NIO Laser Imaging Systems has been used in over 5,000 diagnostic and treatment procedures and purchased by over 12 hospitals internationally, of which four have purchased second systems. The NIO was pioneered in brain tumor surgery and has since been used to improve care in lung, breast, prostate, kidney, head & neck, and pancreatic cancer. | Invenio has 10+ years of real-world experience designing, manufacturing, and marketing laser imaging systems for intraoperative pathology and has developed the only CE-certified clinical AI algorithm for intraoperative detection of brain cancer. | Invenio has an experienced R&D team including laser, optical, mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineers with a track record of developing highly complex laser imaging systems. Our existing software and hardware resources can be leveraged to streamline future developments to meet the PSI objectives. Invenio’s quality system has been tailored for medical imaging systems and AI. The company has an active relationship with FDA with two recent pre-sub meetings for intraoperative histology AIs. We also have a large network of collaborating physicians in neurosurgery, pulmonology, urology (renal, prostate, bladder), head & neck, breast, and pancreatic cancer. | Invenio is looking to explore and develop the best laser imaging technology to meet the programs’ ambitious objectives. Invenio is also eager to meet new clinical and commercialization partners in the various disciplines of surgical oncology. |
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| Emory University | Nicholas Boulis/ Kecheng Lei (nboulis@emory.edu) Additional: klei3@emory.edu |
Atlanta, GA | Since 2004, our research has evolved to encompass the development of surgical techniques geared towards the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to the brain and spinal cord. In the course of this research, we have pioneered innovative strategies and devices that facilitate precise transplantation of human spinal cord tissue. Our efforts have not only contributed to the advancement of spinal cord transplantation initiatives in both the United States and Europe but have also supported multiple research teams engaged in this critical field. | We have achieved notable breakthroughs in the realm of gene therapy vectors. These advancements have empowered us to effectively deliver oncogenes, leading to the production of spinal astrocytomas and brain gliomas in large animal models, specifically minipigs. We are enthusiastic about the potential of these models, as they promise to be highly valuable platforms for evaluating the efficacy of contrast agents in translational research. This progression underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and advancing medical science for the betterment of patient care and treatment outcomes. | Our team boasts about two decades of experience in this field, having successfully conducted a wide range of projects related to preclinical translational research. Our expertise spans from pilot experiments to GLP toxicity studies in large animals, demonstrating our comprehensive capabilities in project management. | We are committed to supporting any group interested in conducting tests for their contrast agents or medical devices in large animals for translational research before advancing to clinical trials. |
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| Synopic Inc. | Jesse Adams (jesse.adams@synopic.com) Additional: info@synopic.com |
Houston, TX | Synopic is innovating in the field of minimally invasive medicine with enhanced, 3D-enabled AI scope vision. Traditional scopes lack depth perception, fine surface distinction, and measurability, resulting in overlooked issues, longer operations, and higher readmission rates. Synopic addresses these issues with a single-camera lens system (scalable for current devices) and complementary machine-learning software that captures high-resolution color images and 3D measurements, facilitating better tissue visualization and real-time 3D mapping for improved precision. This new technology will enhance physicians' vision, potentially saving billions in care costs and improving patient outcomes through more effective and efficient procedures. | Synopic can improve, adapt, or develop new imaging systems to meet the requirements of PSI for fast and accurate processing of surgical data. We can accomplish this through capture of additional imaging information and/or algorithmic/A.I. processing of data for diagnostic purposes. | The Synopic team are experts in optics, computational imaging and A.I., pushing the boundaries of traditional imaging systems by using software and/or hardware modifications to capture information that was previously implausible (or impossible) with current state-of-the-art imaging devices. | We are looking for potential partners with a strong medical background, specifically those with resources for testing in clinical environments as well as utilizing/developing markers for identifying target regions (e.g., contrast agents). |
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| University at Buffalo: The Canon Stroke & Vascular Research Center (CSVRC) | Ciprian N Ionita (cnionita@buffalo.edu) Additional: jdavies@ubns.com |
Buffalo, NY | The Canon Stroke & Vascular Research Center (CSVRC) at the University at Buffalo is a leading institution focusing on vascular disease diagnosis and treatment through innovative research. Our core areas of study include minimally invasive image-guided interventions, advanced imaging modalities, and hemodynamics. Our mission is twofold: first, to develop new methods for treating stroke-causing vascular abnormalities in the brain and spine through minimally invasive endovascular techniques; second, to deepen our understanding of blood flow dynamics that influence vascular disease and therapeutic outcomes. Our research team exemplifies multidisciplinary collaboration, featuring experts in basic sciences, radiation physics, biomedical engineering, machine learning and neurosurgery. This unique blend of expertise fosters the synergy required to propel advancements in endovascular therapy. The overarching objective is to promptly translate research findings into clinical practices and commercial applications for immediate patient benefit. | Our team at the Canon Stroke & Vascular Research Center (CSVRC), in conjunction with our specialized research in endovascular treatment of neurovascular diseases, offers a comprhensive skill set and resources to the PSI and potential teaming partners. We bring multidisciplinary expertise in vascular disease, biomedical engineering, and data science, coupled with a proven track record in research and clinical translation. Our contributions are four-fold: 1. Diagnostic Accuracy: Through novel quantitative angiography tools and data-driven modeling, we achieve up to 90% diagnostic accuracy in vascular diseases labeling and location. This could significantly contribute to PSI's goal of precision in surgical interventions. 2. Machine Learning Applications: Our use of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) for rapid and accurate Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) and Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) diagnosis offers the potential to reshape clinical paradigms, aligning well with PSI's transformative objectives. Being a comprehensive stroke center, we also a very large multi-modality imaging dataset of vascular disease 3. Patient-Specific Models: Since 2002, we have led the development of hyper-realistic 3D vascular models, employing medical imaging, computational models, and 3D printing. Integrated with AI algorithms, these models offer real-time feedback, setting a new benchmark for device testing and training. 4. Engineering for interfacing with C-arm x-ray units, we have the expertise and proven record to develop C-arm based imaging technologies and software for endovascular procedures applications. Our research aims not just to refine current practices but to advance the field, driven by a commitment to patient-centered outcomes and methodological rigor. |
The Canon Stroke & Vascular Research Center (CSVRC) at the University at Buffalo stands as a powerhouse in vascular disease research, fortified by a multidisciplinary team and cutting-edge technologies. We have pioneered advanced imaging solutions, such as micro-x-ray fluoroscopy for real-time endovascular procedure guidance and high-speed angiography capable of delivering 1000 frames per second angiograms. In partnership with the Jacobs Institute, we offer an end-to-end solution from research to clinical application by providing catheter and endovascular device manufacturing capabilities. One of our standout achievements is the lab spinoff, www.qas.ai. This initiative aims to develop machine learning algorithms that provide real-time surgical outcomes, facilitating intraoperative therapeutic adjustments and enhancing our commitment to precision medicine. Our machine learning endeavors also include the use of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) for the acute diagnosis of conditions like Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) and Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS), further shifting clinical paradigms. We also excel in creating patient-specific 3D vascular models that serve as both a testing and training platform, offering real-time feedback during simulated procedures. With our comprehensive, end-to-end capabilities, we are uniquely positioned to make substantial contributions to projects aimed at revolutionizing precision surgery and improving patient outcomes. |
Our organization is actively looking to collaborate with centers possessing specialized expertise in machine learning, particularly in distributed and federated machine learning systems that can offer live feedback in the surgical suite. We aim to enhance the capabilities, which focuses on real-time surgical outcomes prognosis through machine learning algorithms. We're particularly interested in partnering with advanced parallel programmers who can optimize the computational efficiency of these algorithms. Their skills would be invaluable in scaling our data processing capabilities and in real-time data analytics, enabling more timely and accurate intraoperative decision-making. Moreover, we're eager to explore collaborations with experts in quantum computing. Their knowledge could be instrumental in investigating the potential for significant speed-up and accuracy improvements in our machine learning algorithms, potentially revolutionizing the field of assisted surgery. Our ideal partners would complement our existing strengths in vascular medicine, advanced imaging technologies, and device manufacturing. Such collaboration would not only align with our multidisciplinary approach but also amplify our mutual capabilities to achieve breakthroughs in precision surgery and improve patient outcomes. |
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| LighTopTech Corp. | Cristina Canavesi, PhD, MBA (cristina@lightoptech.com) Additional: info@lightoptech.com |
West Henrietta, NY | LighTopTech builds innovative optical instruments to bring to market disruptive technologies for noninvasive imaging and guided surgery in the medical field. Combining three-dimensional sub-cellular imaging with machine learning methods, we achieve unbiased, automated tissue characterization. | Our core expertise includes optical system design, algorithm development, image analysis and machine learning. | We have built the first commercial OCX system, which enables rapid assessment and screening of tissue with OCT (optical coherence tomography) followed by cellular-level examination with GDOCM (Gabor-domain optical coherence microscopy). We have demonstrated the combination of OCX with multiple functional imaging modalities for characterization of tissue properties in vivo. | Building on our strong technical and commercial expertise, we are looking to partner with clinical collaborators targeting TA1-B. |
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| Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University | Francisco (Paco) Robles (robles@gatech.edu) | Atlanta, GA | The Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy Lab at GT/Emory BME specializes in high-resolution label-free optical imaging and image analysis. Recent innovations include label-free, fast, 3D imaging handheld microscopes, and flexible endomicroscopy systems, both with clear sub-cellular contrast. Information is quantitive and can be analyzed to identify disease or render virtual H&E sections in vivo in real time. | The OIS lab recently developed an epi-mode refractive index tomography method that can be applied for label-free ex vivo and in vivo imaging. We have a bench top system suitable for analysis of ex vivo tissues. We have also developed a handheld system and a microendoscope (diameter can be as small as 4~2mm) for in vivo imaging. The system is wide field (no scanning components are needed) and uses low cost LED illumination. Resolution is between 2µm and 0.3µm laterally and 2-7µm axially, with 3D imaging capabilities with a penetration depth up to ~200µm into tissue. Image rate is >25Hz. Images have high contrast for sub-celluar structures (based on refractive index), which can be processed to identify disease. Images can also be translated to virtual H&E in real time. Key references: - arXiv:2306.00548 - https://doi.org/10.1364/BOE.416731 - https://doi.org/10.1364/OPTICA.410135 - https://doi.org/10.1364/BOE.10.003605 |
Our strengths are on optical system development, design and manufacturing, as well as image processing and analysis. | We are looking for partners that would benefit from this novel high-resolution, label-free, 3D optical imaging technology. |
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| Systems & Technology Research (STR) | David A. Markowitz, PhD (david.markowitz@str.us) Additional: brad.gaynor@str.us |
Woburn, MA | Image fusion, computer vision, machine learning, and augmented reality, via projects funded by DARPA, IARPA, and other US government customers. Our staff also have recent experience, publications, and patent filings on distinguishing cancerous from non-cancerous tissue during surgery using enhanced contrast-mode ultrasound imaging (WO 2019/104241), distinguishing nerve tissue from non-nerve tissue during surgery (WO 2018/160955), and development of instrumented probes for sampling and real-time identification of cancerous cells during surgery (US 2019/0216445). STR is eager to support a PSI team that is positioned to take a product to market and deliver impact for patients. | STR is an R&D firm in Woburn, MA with a proven track record of developing and operationally deploying advanced technologies for government and commercial customers. STR is an experienced and successful performer on ARPA programs that is available to provide software development and systems engineering support to partners on the PSI program. | STR is a top-4 contractor at DARPA and our health business is led by former IARPA program manager David Markowitz, who previously led the development of advanced biological imaging and visualization tools for the U.S. BRAIN Initiative. In addition to STR’s capabilities in image fusion, computer vision, machine learning, and augmented reality, we have diverse staff with expertise in sensors, microfluidics, and device development. Several of our team also have experience with surgical planning and real-time visualization of anatomy and instruments. As mentioned earlier, our staff also have recent experience, publications, and patent filings on distinguishing cancerous from non-cancerous tissue during surgery using enhanced contrast-mode ultrasound imaging (WO 2019/104241), distinguishing nerve tissue from non-nerve tissue during surgery (WO 2018/160955), and development of instrumented probes for sampling and real-time identification of cancerous cells during surgery (US 2019/0216445). | STR is eager to support a PSI team that is positioned to take a product to market and deliver impact for patients. We are a good fit for a strong clinical team with a well-defined technical approach and a clearly scoped need for software development and/or systems engineering support from an R&D partner. |
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| Summit Biomedical Imaging | Andrew Riley (rileya@summitbiomedicalimaging.com) Additional: brandc@summitbiomedicalimaging.com |
New York, NY | Summit Biomedical Imaging is focused on developing and commercializing novel fluorescent biomarkers to improve patient outcomes. Summit is currently developing PARPi-FL, a fluorescent biomarker for solid tumor detection, and Hsp1a-FL, a fluorescent peptide for peripheral nerve detection. PARPi-FL is currently in a Phase II clinical trial for oral cancer detection. Hsp1a-FL is pre-clinical. | Summit’s team has deep experience in pre-clinical and clinical development of fluorescent biomarkers. We have identified and developed multiple fluorescent biomarkers through different stages of clinical development. And our biomarkers are ideal candidates for use in solving the problems that the BAA addresses. Our two lead biomarkers enable accurate cancer and nerve detection. | Summit’s strength is its deep experience in developing fluorescent biomarkers for detecting cancer and nerves. Summit is the sponsor of a Phase II clinical trial for its lead cancer asset, PARPi-FL – a molecule that our CSO translated from the lab into the clinic. Summit is also seeking to complete pre-clinical development on Hsp1a-FL, an asset with pre-clinical mouse and monkey data that detects peripheral nerves. Summit focuses on designing and developing new fluorescent biomarkers for high-value projects that improve patient outcomes. | Summit focuses on developing fluorescent biomarkers. It is looking for: partners experienced in developing instruments for in vivo fluorescence detection; partners that can develop software to conduct automated sample analysis; and partners to conduct in animal pre-clinical studies. |
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| Avenda Health, Inc. | Sakina Mohammed Mota (sakina@avendahealth.com) Additional: josh@avendahealth.com |
Culver City, CA | In addition to the FDA-cleared Unfold AI platform built on a unique multimodal dataset, our current research focus areas are: 1. Predicting the presence of extracapsular extension to improve surgical margins and reduce prostate cancer recurrence. In a study of surgical specimens, our 3D cancer map surpassed conventional methods for ECE prediction in prostate cancer. 2. Localizing the prostate and pelvic anatomy with state-of-the-art accuracy. We are developing an AI-based segmentation model using a dataset of 5000+ labeled MRI volumes from 30+ clinical sites. It has the potential to aid clinicians in avoiding damage to critical structures with precision surgical planning. |
Avenda Health received the first FDA 510(k) clearance and breakthrough device designation for an AI decision support platform for Prostate Cancer (Unfold AI). At the heart of Unfold AI is a cancer mapping algorithm that takes in multimodal inputs and produces a voxel-wise cancer prediction throughout the prostate, overlaid on MRI. This algorithm achieved superhuman results in determining tumor size and extent. Compared to standard-of-care (SOC), Unfold AI raised sensitivity from 38% to 97% and accuracy from 67% to 85%. Unfold AI has the potential to help clinicians strategize the optimal PCa treatment for each patient and also exhibits emergent properties for determining tumor extensions that can cause recurrence. Having shown promise using multimodal data in our Unfold AI platform, we aim to expand this research to develop a foundational AI model capable of organ and disease-agnostic precision cancer mapping. Fusing genomics, imaging, pathology, and other clinical factors with machine learning will enable precise prediction of tumor extent to prevent surgical failures. We hope to collaborate on fully integrating the completed model into the surgical workflow for: 1. Optimizing planning of surgical margins and visualization of critical anatomy. 2. Real-time cancer map updates as additional data gets collected in vivo. |
We have experience in the following areas: 1. Prostate cancer 2. Artificial intelligence for cancer management 3. Medical imaging 4. Software development 5. Academic and industrial collaboration 6. Planning a clinical trial 7. 510(k) submission and obtaining FDA regulatory approval 8. Reimbursement process 9. Working with physicians and oncologists |
We are seeking collaborators with expertise in the following areas: 1. Breast/brain cancer 2. Molecular imaging 3. Novel real-time sensing/imaging technologies 4. Automated pathology analysis 5. Surgery/therapy device manufacturing 6. Artificial intelligence for cancer detection 7. Surgical robotics |
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| CliniSonix Inc. and University of Alberta | Roger Zemp (rzemp@ualberta.ca) | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | CliniSonix develops novel 2D ultrasound array technologies capable of significantly outperforming current matrix probes and achieves micro-ultrasound resolution at clinical depths in 3D. Our electrostrictive row-column array technology is capable of transmit-receive synthetic aperture imaging everywhere in a scannable image plane. We can also read out from every element of the array using only row-column addressing. We can achieve fast 3D vascular imaging and photoacoustic imaging. Our arrays can be developed into unprecedented sizes for widefield imaging and unlike any other matrix probe, we can achieve high operating frequencies above 10-20MHz. Our resolution outperforms commercial high-frequency ultrasound systems but can image deeper. Our current arrays are nearly 3.5cmx3.5cm with 128x128 and new arrays under development are 4x this area. We are developing transparent variants. Our arrays require no in-probe electronics so our arrays can be mounted as (tethered) wearables for longitudinal imaging. | We can offer a tool for visualizing tissue, tumors, blood vessels and potentially nerves in 3D with unprecedented resolution. Our arrays could be wearable for combined and co-registered ultrasound and MRI/PET imaging in a pre-operative setting. Then, images during surgery acquired using our arrays could be compared with pre-operative images to retrieve appropriately deformed intra-operative ultrasound/MRI/PET images of the deformed soft-tissue. This would provide unprecedented capabilities to provide the tumor and nerve contrast of MRI within an intra-operative setting. | CliniSonix is a spin-off from our academic lab at the University of Alberta. We are a new company and have begun offering our arrays, electronics and software development kits to researchers with a long-term vision of clinical impact on many fronts. We have a technology that no-one else can offer, along with more than 10 patents at various stages. University of Alberta offers a world-class nanoFAB facility used to fabricate the arrays. | We are interested in partnering with surgical teams who are willing to try our technology. We would be interested in partners who could help with MR tractography of peripheral nerves co-imaged with our ultrasound and computational expertise to render intra-operative ultrasound images with MRI including highlighted nerves. We are further interested in partnering with PET/CT and PET/MRI teams who could also image subjects using our wearable probes with the objective of visualizing tumors with PET contrast based on intra-operative 3D ultrasound. We would further like computational GPU expertise to help with massive data reconstruction, non-rigid registration and visualization. We would also be interested in partners who have tumor- or nerve-labelling optical agents which could be imaged in 3D with photoacoustic technology. |
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| University of Alberta | Roger Zemp (rzemp@ualberta.ca) | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | We have developed a virtual histology technology, photoacoustic remote sensing microscopy, capable of scanning fresh tissues with amazing histological realism at current speeds of 7 min per cm2 at the equivalent of 400x resolution. The system is a laser-based scanning approach with strong positive nuclei contrast based on optical absorption, and with a recently accepted manuscript in Nature Communications. The system can further acquire these data without stains or labels, while additionally acquiring information such as collagen, NADH, and FAD autofluorescence. A 5-pathologist reader study was used to validate the technology and achieved 98% sensitivity and >91% specificity. Pathologists ranked our image quality as preferred over frozen sections. | With some additional work, we should be able to image several breadloafed lumpectomy specimens in a few minutes with histological realism. Our scanning speeds are competitive with current slide-scanners but we can image fresh tissue. We can achieve 300nm resolution unlike many competing technologies and can achieve histological realism that is among the best. We have a table comparing our technology capabilities with other related virtual histology methods and our comes out very favorably. We are working on explainable AI methods to render cancer probability heatmaps to facilitate automated tumor margin analysis. | We have a team of over 20 trainees lead by PI R. Zemp with over 25 years of experience in biomedical ultrasonics and optics. We have pathologists, surgeons, and deep-learning experts on board. | We are interested in partnering with additional oncologic surgeons who are willing to engage in a research study using our technology. Our technology is currently a lab prototype so we need to develop it into a cart-based system and optimize the workflow so that imaging and margin detection can all be done within a few minutes. We'd be interested in partners that have deep expertise and working cancer discrimination AI tools that could be adapted to our virtual histology images using transfer learning. |
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| Designs for Vision, Inc. | John Walsh (jtwalsh@dvimail.com) Additional: hschwartz@dvimail.com |
Bohemia, NY | Designs for Vision, Inc. enhances surgeons' visualization with solutions that are wearable, and integrate seamlessly into surgeons' workflow. Designs is the largest manufacturer of surgical loupes that magnify the surgical field allowing the visualization of small structures. Designs introduced the first surgical headlamp in 1972 and pioneered the transition to LED headlights in 2006 providing illumination solutions to enhance surgical visualization. Our lighting solutions are small, lightweight and integrate onto surgical loupes for use in the surgical workflow. Small 1080p and 4K cameras offer a digital point of view of the surgeon. Recently Designs for Vision has been working in the fluorescent visualization space with innovated wearable solutions that integrate into the surgical workflow. | Designs for Vision can offer expertise in optical design, engineering, and production. All services are located in our facilities in Bohemia NY. We have designed wearable fluorescent excitation lights and wearable emission filters that integrate seamlessly into surgeons' workflow. Since they are wearable, they do not need to be hand-held and do not take any footprint in the OR. The HD video cameras are fitted with emission filters that allow the surgeons point of view to be broadcast to the OR monitors and documented. We already have designed excitation and emission systems that can be utilized in several wavelengths and have the optical experience to design, engineer, and manufacture custom solutions around other agents. | Designs for Vision has been designing, engineering, and manufacturing custom optical solutions in enhance surgical visualization since 1961. Over 100 patents for optical design have been assigned to Designs for Vision. Designs for Vision has expanded into the fluorescent visualization space by designing and engineering excitation and emission solutions to allow for the visualization of fluorophores and biofluorescent molecules. Designs for Vision has in house mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers. We also have our own prototype machine shop and production machine shop utilizing the latest CNC technology that allow us to rapidly prototype concepts and control the manufacture of our own assemblies. Designs for Vision manufactures our optical & electrical products in our facilities in Bohemia, NY. We surface and coat lenses and have the capability of creating customized optical coatings and applying those coatings onsite. We have created specialized coatings for our fluorescent visualization designs. Designs for Vision has professional relationships across all surgical specialties and markets directly to the surgeons. Our products are custom manufactured to each surgeon, and are a personal product that enhances the surgeon's vision, resulting in an affinity for their loupes. |
Designs for Vision is looking forward to teaming with partners that have are developing a photo-activated imaging agent that are looking for an equipment solution that will provide enhanced visualization that will not interrupt the surgical workflow. We are also interested in partner with teams that require enhanced visualization of the surgical field. We can provide optical and digital solutions for enhanced surgical visualization. |
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| SimBioSys, Inc. | Carole Tremonti (carole@simbiosys.com) Additional: tushar@simbiosys.com |
Chicago, IL | SimBioSys uses biophysical spatial and metabolic AI modeling to transition traditional 2D images into 3D representations, permitting 360 degree representation of the tumor and surrounding tissues. Segmented layers also visualize the surrounding tissues and vasculature, permitting precision in defining surgical approaches for accurate tumor (and margin) resection. With our metabolic modeling capabilities, we can also identify the areas of the tumor exhibiting the highest growth patterns, as well as hypoxic effects. This provides evidence of tumor angiogenesis beyond the availability of a biposy. Prior to surgery, evidence of tumor angiogenesis permits the understanding of growth into surrounding tissues as well as indications for neoadjuvant treatment before or after surgery. | SimBioSys has deep experience in the novel space of biophysical metabolic and spatial modeling. Focusing solely on imaging data inputs, we are able to leverage routine standard of care data (e.g. MRI, CT, etc.) to provide meaningful insights and treatment specificity, at a low cost. For partners, our modeling techniques have high accuracy and are flexible across cancer disease states. We offer the ability to visualize all structures and angiogenesis surrounding the tumor in vivid detail as well as deformation of the tumor and surrounding tissues. SimBioSys is the scientific backbone of precision modeling overlay to be applied to intraoperative solutions such as AR/VR and robotic approaches to surgical cases. | SimBioSys is comprised of over 30 experienced biophysical metabolic scientists and engineers, plus ancillary clinical staff with experience in surgery, imaging, commercialization and AI. Our modeling expertise and approach is unique within the marketplace. Our focus on deformation (the application of gravity) to tissues is unique and fills a much needed gap in the surgical planning space. Our ability to identify appropriate surgical approaches as well as impact of neoadjuvant treatment on tumor angiogenesis uniquely fills a gap of evidentiary support in treatment planning. With over 40 organizational clinical partners, we have designed our solutions to meet the broad needs of cancer treatment within the U.S. and beyond. | SimBioSys seeks partners with AR/VR technology companies as well as intraoperative imaging partnerships. We will overlay our technology for intraoperative visualization, as well as intraoperative segmentation and modeling post resection, ensuring clear margins. We seek partnership in hardware and we will fill the needs of software. |
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| Bioengineering and Nanomedicine Program at MGH and Harvard | Hak Soo choi (hchoi12@mgh.harvard.edu) Additional: ayamashita@mgh.harvard.edu |
Boston, MA | The Bioengineering & Nanomedicine Program (BENMD) Program at MGH and Harvard has pioneered the development of targeted contrast agents based on chromophores, with a primary focus on near-infrared fluorophores. These fluorophores have proven invaluable for image-guided surgery, allowing for the precise visualization of target tissues with exceptional optical properties while minimizing nonspecific uptake in surrounding normal tissues. Leveraging extensive experience in synthesizing over 1,000 targeted fluorophores tailored to various tissues and organs, the program has embarked on a systematic exploration of how hydrodynamic diameter, shape, charge, and hydrophobicity impact the in vivo biodistribution and clearance of contrast agents. Using advanced techniques such as invisible NIR fluorescence imaging and 3D molecular modeling, the program has uncovered critical relationships between these key variables and their influence on biodistribution and tissue-specific targeting. This research has encompassed a range of cancer types, including prostate, ovarian, breast, and brain cancers. Notably, we have introduced an innovative design strategy known as ""structure-inherent targeting."" This approach involves engineering tissue- and organ-specific targeting directly into the molecular structure of NIR fluorophores. This design strategy optimizes the compactness of optical contrast agents, making them highly effective for biomedical imaging applications. |
The BENMD Program offers robust support and collaboration opportunities to PSI and potential partners in several key areas: Interdisciplinary Excellence: Our team comprises experts from diverse fields, including chemistry, drug delivery, cancer biology, and physician-scientists. With a track record of over 200 publications, we excel in interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring a holistic approach to precision surgical interventions. Cutting-Edge Infrastructure: We boast cutting-edge bioimaging equipment, such as intraoperative NIR imaging systems, meso-microscopes, confocal and two-photon microscopes, and NIR fluorescence plate readers. These state-of-the-art technologies are readily available to advance PSI's research and development initiatives. Data and Computational Resources: Our substantial computational resources and access to extensive datasets provide a valuable asset for training and validating PSI's surgical intervention models and algorithms. This computational support can significantly expedite the development process. Clinical Connections: With established partnerships with medical institutions and practitioners, we facilitate seamless clinical validation and the real-world implementation of PSI's groundbreaking technologies. Collaborating with the BENMD Program enables PSI and potential partners to harness our expertise, resources, and network to accelerate the development and deployment of precision surgical interventions. Together, we can drive innovation in the realm of precision medicine and surgery, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes and healthcare advancements. |
Dr. Hak Soo Choi serves as the Director of BENMD Program at MGH and Harvard, where the overarching mission is to tackle a formidable clinical challenge – the conquest of cancer. The BENMD Program is an exceptional crucible of multidisciplinary collaboration, housing experts from diverse fields such as chemistry, engineering, biology, physics, and surgery. This unique amalgamation of expertise fosters an environment where distinct disciplines harmonize to achieve a unified goal - advancing the frontier of medical innovation. At present, the BENMD Program is dedicated to pioneering nanoscale bioimaging technology for the precise diagnosis and treatment of human cancers. This endeavor unfolds along two crucial fronts. Firstly, it delves into the utilization of near-infrared fluorescence-based bioimaging devices in mesoscale tissue settings. This avenue affords an unprecedented understanding of the nuanced functionality of targeted therapeutics within the human body. Simultaneously, the program tailors tissue-specific contrast agents, optimizing their efficacy in targeting various human diseases, including cancers and inflammatory conditions. The underpinning concept is ""Structure-Inherent Targeting,"" revealing that even subtle variations in chemical structure wield substantial influence over drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. |
We seek potential teaming partners who share our unwavering commitment to advancing the frontiers of bioengineering and nanomedicine, particularly in the context of precision surgical interventions. We are interested in collaborating with entities that bring complementary expertise and resources to the table, enhancing our collective ability to tackle complex challenges in the field. Scientific Excellence: We value partners with a strong track record of scientific excellence, including demonstrated expertise in engineering, biology, and clinical research. Clinical Insights: Partners with clinical expertise, particularly in surgical interventions and medical imaging, are highly valuable in helping translate research innovations into practical clinical applications. Data Analytics and Computational Resources: Organizations with advanced data analytics and computational capabilities can contribute significantly to our research efforts, enabling the analysis of complex datasets and the development of predictive models. Shared Vision: Alignment with our mission to revolutionize cancer surgery and treatment through innovative precision interventions is paramount. We seek partners who share our passion for making a meaningful impact on patient outcomes. In summary, we are eager to collaborate with organizations that can complement our strengths, extend our capabilities, and share in the pursuit of pioneering solutions that have the potential to transform the landscape of precision surgical interventions and cancer treatment. |
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| CytoVeris Inc. | Alan Kersey (akersey@cytoveris.com) Additional: Pcurry@cytoveris.com |
Farmington, CT | CytoVeris is a medical device manufacturer developing AI-powered imaging technology for real-time enhanced tissue visualization, enabling more precise intraoperative decisions, leading to improved patient outcomes, and reducing unnecessary repeat procedures. Our label-free intraoperative tool based on a proprietary Multi-Spectral Tissue Auto-Fluorescence Imaging (MS-TAFI) system and powered by AI-based algorithms, analyzes the “optical fingerprint” of the tissue corresponding to its intrinsic biomolecular and morphological characteristics. Based on our preclinical studies in breast and bladder cancer, we believe that its technology platform, called “AURORATM” will allow surgeons to map out the entire surface of excised tumors to verify that they have achieved a clean or negative margin. Additionally, surgeons need new intraoperative tools for the identification of critical anatomical structures such as nerve bundles, vesicles, and muscles. The AURORATM platform can be used to detect the ‘optical fingerprint’ of normal tissue and used in tissue ID intraoperatively. The AURORA™ system is contact-free, fully automated, does not require sample preparation, and provides tissue imaging in real-time. The company is currently exploring the miniaturization of our imaging system to provide In-Vivo imaging capabilities. |
CytoVeris’ imaging system uses a multi-modal and muti-spectral approach based on Autofluorescence imaging and Diffuse Reflectance imaging to provide an optical “fingerprint” of the tissue. CytoVeris has core competency in label-free optical instrumentation such as multispectral imaging and Raman spectroscopy. In addition to the instrumentation, the company has experience and expertise in optical image processing and developing AI-based algorithms for cancer detection in breast and muscle identification of bladder cancer. Our initial target indications are bladder and prostate cancer surgery. In prostate, we have a research study and collaboration underway with one of the most prominent robotic prostate surgeons, Dr. Vipul Patel at AdventHealth in Celebration, Orlando, FL. |
We have significant clinical experience and trained ML algorithms based on 100s of patients with our technology in breast lumpectomy surgery, bladder, and are currently now focused on prostate margin assessment. Our initial target indications for commercial focus have been in bladder and prostate cancer surgery – in the later areas we have a research study and collaboration underway with one of the most prominent robotic prostate surgeons, Dr. Vipul Patel. The company has attracted a strong team of optical scientists and engineers along with data scientists for AI/ML development and general systems hardware engineering and systems integration. The team has extensive expertise in quality systems, ISO regulations and experience in FDA filings. The management team has a track record of raising venture capital for start-ups and successful exits. The Company has developed other tissue analysis tools and successfully clinically tested them, including Raman Spectroscopy. This technique provides high molecular specificity – and is another example of an approach suitable for application in TA1. |
While CytoVeris has developed its platform technology for to aid surgeons in tissue identification in operation room, the technology has applicability in key adjacent applications, and we are looking for partners that bring expertise and market presence in these areas: 1. In pathology workflow (TA1-A): a. Providing a triaging system to provide ‘quick-look’ pathology assessment of tissue specimen blocks in pathology b. As an alternative, or an adjunctive tool, to frozen section imaging, potentially significantly increasing the rate at which surgical biopsies can be assessed. c. A cancer targeting agent that can be used with our multispectral device. 2. In in-vivo surgical imaging (TA1-B & TA2): We envision our technology being used in collaboration with a robotics partner to provide a multipurpose device that can switch between imaging mode that provide: a. Margin visualization b. Anatomical tissue/structure ID (e.g., nerve bundles, urethra etc) |
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| VPIX Medical | Heejoon Um (h.um@vpixmedical.com) | Daejeon, South Korea | 1. Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy for Intraoperative Microscopic Imaging with Real-Time Consultation Between Surgeons and Pathologists This technology facilitates real-time in situ microscopic imaging within the operating room environment, establishing digital communication between surgeons and pathologists. This connectivity enhances the precision and expediency of surgical decision-making, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes. 2. Multifluorescence-Compatible Optical System Incorporating Blue Light, Near-Infrared, and 5-ALA This optical system has the capability to accommodate multiple fluorescence wavelengths, including blue light, near-infrared, and 5-ALA. |
1. Versatile Intraoperative In-Vivo Imaging Apparatus Compatible with a Spectrum of Fluorescent Dyes This device is designed for intraoperative, in-vivo imaging and possesses the capability to function with a diverse range of fluorescent dyes. 2. Real-Time Acquisition of Cellular Structures in Both Image and Video Formats The device excels at the real-time capture of cellular structures, facilitating their visualization in both static images and dynamic video sequences. 3. Compact Microscopic Probe with Customizable Form Factors to Suit User Requirements The system incorporates a miniaturized microscopic probe that can be adapted into various physical configurations, catering to the specific needs and preferences of the user. For example, a miniature microscope probe head that can pass through a trocar, enabling compatibility with robotic surgery. |
1. Development and Manufacturing Proficiency with a GMP-Certified Facility Proficient capabilities extend to the development and manufacturing of technologies within a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified facility. 2. Competence in Hardware Design and Development Proficiency encompasses the design and development of hardware, specifically in the realms of micro laser scanning, endomicroscopic systems, and advanced optical microscopic systems. 3. Proficiency in Software Image Reconstruction Algorithms Profound skills are applied to the creation of software image reconstruction algorithms, emphasizing high frame rates and high-resolution capabilities for confocal microscope imagery. 4. Prior Preclinical and Clinical experiments in Neurosurgical Applications A track record is established in conducting both preclinical and clinical trials, with a focus on applications in the field of neurosurgery. 5. Prior Preclinical Investigations in Urological Applications Preclinical investigations are undertaken, particularly within the domain of urological applications. |
We are seeking an AI developer with expertise in the following areas: - Implementing efficient optimization techniques for integration into standalone devices. - Developing a tumor classifier and enabling tumor visualization and segmentation. - Designing and executing an iterative pipeline to ensure the long-term sustainability of AI algorithms. We are also looking for a biomarker developer - Researchers or companies with candidate substances for tumor-specific dyes that can be used in various types of cancers, including prostate cancer. - Researchers or companies with dyes capable of labeling multiple cancer target molecules simultaneously (tumor-specific target molecules). - Researchers or companies with in vitro/in vivo effectiveness and toxicity evaluation data for the agent. - Researchers or companies with candidate substances for dyes that are suitable for clinical trials within the next 2-3 years. |
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| Optosurgical, LLC | Yoseph Kim (yoseph.kim@optosurgical.com) Additional: optosurgical@gmail.com |
Columbia, MD | Optosurgical, LLC is dedicated to enhancing patient health outcomes through the development and promotion of innovative intraoperative imaging technologies. Our core objective is to address specific needs identified and endorsed by medical experts. We are currently developing a dye-free, handheld operating room camera that delivers instant structural and functional tissue insights during fluorescence-guided open and minimally invasive surgeries. By harnessing advanced optics, we enhance surgical precision, streamline procedures, and ultimately contribute to improved postoperative results and patients' quality of life. We have multiple NIH SBIR/STTR grants totalling over $2.5M focusing on the development of intraoperative imaging devices and fluorescent dyes in the areas of head and neck surgery, gastrointestinal surgeries and hepatobiliary surgeries. Our initial product, the hANDY-i, will enable real-time dye-free visualization of parathyroid glands and blood perfusion during thyroid surgery. The hANDY-i can also detect fluorescent contrast agents, such as ICG, and is ready to be used preclinically. We have confirmed a FDA 510(k) regulatory pathway for our device through a pre-sub meeting and have completed early feasibility studies in benchtop, animal, and human clinical studies. |
We will translate research and clinical needs into commercialization opportunities by offering our expertise in biomedical optical engineering, innovation in fluorescence-guided surgery, fast and iterative R&D prototyping of new medical devices, and validating market/clinical needs through stakeholder interviews and clinical observations. We also share our experiences in working with an international base of clinical collaborators, hospitals, government grant/contract compliance, multidisciplinary project management, and entrepreneurship/networking. | Our core strengths of being able to build the technology and communicate its benefits complement our mission: to improve health outcomes by developing and marketing new intraoperative imaging technologies. Our team has been successful in advancing three SBIR/STTR Phase I/II grants in collaboration with Johns Hopkins Hospital and Children’s National Hospital. Receiving these grants speaks to not only the technical expertise of our engineers, but also our ability to develop an appealing business model and strategy for commercializing our technology. The success of our venture starts with our talent to recognize, hypothesize, and validate a clinical need for which we develop an innovative, disruptive solution. We continue to build a network of medtech advisors and support systems as we navigate the medical device commercialization/entrepreneurial journey. We have a larger team of software engineers, biostatisticians, clinical trial strategists, regulatory/reimbursement support, business advisors. We have received NIH C3i training, and are members of the Maryland Innovation Center and the Maryland Tech Council Venture Mentoring Services. |
In our potential teaming partners, we are seeking complementary strengths and expertise that align with our mission to advance intraoperative imaging technologies. Specifically, we are interested in clinical partners who bring expertise in areas such as surgical oncology, endocrine surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, and hepatobiliary surgery. Additionally, partners with a strong background in clinical validation and regulatory pathways for medical devices would be invaluable. We are interested in providing an innovative imaging platform for those who are developing novel contrast agents in preclinical lab settings and eventually in the operating room. We value a collaborative spirit and a commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovative surgical interventions. Effective communication and a shared dedication to translating research into practical, impactful solutions are qualities we highly prioritize. |
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| Data Driven Diagnostic Sciences, Inc | Michael Larson, MD, PhD (mike@d3sciences.com) Additional: nick@d3sciences.com |
Tucson, AZ | Our focus is on improving cancer diagnostics at the point of biopsy or surgery. To this end, we have developed a panel of fluorescent dyes based on already-FDA-approved drugs to mimic histological stains. These are already FDA-approved drugs that happen to fluoresce, so we expect in vivo trials to be expedited relative to de novo chemicals. Additionally, these are formulated to provide staining patterns pathologists are trained to recognize, enabling rapid acceptance by pathologists. Lastly, these dyes have been selected to work with a single excitation wavelength but provide distinct emissions, allowing for relatively straightforward optical setup and easy multiplexing. | We can offer expertise in fluorescence dyes/multiplexing and partnership on forwarding these dye panels, which would further enable real-time in vivo microscopy, real-time multiplex staining, and point-of-care sample or tissue margin characterization. | The main strength we want to highlight for the PSI is the experience we have gained with ex vivo animal and human data highlighting these fluorescent dyes (citations below). We also have partnership with a world-class veterinary school and academic medical center for further research. Larson MC, Gmitro AF, Utzinger U, Rouse AR, Woodhead GJ, Carlson Q, Hennemeyer CT, Barton JK. Using FDA-approved drugs as off-label fluorescent dyes for optical biopsies: from in silico design to ex vivo proof-of-concept. Methods and Applications in Fluorescence. 2021 Jun 4;9(3):035006. Li Z, Woodhead GJ, Rouse AR, Klein R, Larson MC, Gmitro AF. Multispectral confocal endomicroscopy in lung biopsy guidance. Journal of Optical Microsystems. 2023 Jan 1;3(1):011002 |
We are looking for a team of physicists or engineers that have optical imaging expertise but that need clinically-expected contrast at the cellular and tissue level. We have contacts with human and animal pathologists for user acceptance testing. |
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| Neuvolution | Dr. Hector Gomez (neuvolution1@gmail.com) Additional: metamathics@hotmail.com |
Lewes, DW | 1.-(Patent pending) Top Precision Tumor Removal through navigated robotic assisted for novel carving/ablation, plus patented technology for enhanced novel tumoral position/shape data acquisition from standard fluoroscopy (simple x-rays) or ultrasound as well as MRI / CT SCAN. 2.-(Patent pending) Selective Molecular Catalysis applied to advanced nuclear magnetic resonance to enhance tumoral infiltrative borders visualization in vivo and a breath taking therapeutic catalysis that is capable to stimulate targeted molecular enzymatic pathways for amazing purposes such as possible cancer cell selective killing. 3.-(Patent pending) Far Field Magnetic Power Transfer effect and patent pending harmonic interfered magnetic fields for advanced neural modulation against many neurological conditions, such as Addiction and Depression, besides of neural transduction. 4.-(Patent pending) Authentication technology beyond Biometrics and Passwords. |
Neuvolution has invented and patented (as far as it is possible to know) the only robotic system that acquires tumor´s shape and position from MRI/CT Scan and through the insertion of a thin trocar, it is now possible to produce the tumoral laser ablation/US resection (from the multi aim/shoot laser or ultrasound, located on the tip of said trocar), as a perfect, customized match, with added security resection margins, of the digital tumor, from image data. (It is simply impossible for surgeons to outperform this). The trocar has also integrated means for tumor biopsy, tissue/heat removal and optical/laser/us for tumoral borders inspection. Neuvolution has also invented a magnetic resonance variant to selectively stimulate desired chemical reactions (Magnetic Catalysis) on specific molecular types, opening the door to advanced biochemistry against cancer. |
Neuvolution is a High-Tech Startup with experience-derived solutions, to really surpass present surgical limitations. We provide surgeons with a state-of-the-art robotized tool, capable to perform way beyond human surgical precision, full of real surgical tricks and added with AI, but subdued to surgeon´s decisions. We are also on the possibility to provide the tool for selectively to produce Magnetic Catalysis in vivo: to heat (more energy for a biochemical reaction) or to overheat (protein denaturalization and possible apoptosis) over different chosen molecular types. Neuvolution also provides technology to enhance neural plasticity trough transcranial magnetic full-depth brain stimulation (current competition struggles to barely reach 35 mm depth into the brain), based on the employment of Theta Burst Stimulation. This technology is used on cases of Depression, Addictions and Stroke recovery, but it might find application on neurological recovery after tumoral resection/radiation/trauma. |
Any entity capable to collaborate with manpower for coding or funds is welcome. Of course, we are open for optimal completion of this project with anyone with experience on NIH/ARPA-H projects, navigation, robotic, laser and ultrasound technologies as well as on Technical Areas 1-B and 2. Our Magnetic Resonance technology is open for TA 1-B. |
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| University of Chicago | Andrey Rzhetsky (andrey.rzhetsky@uchicago.edu) | Chicago, IL | We propose contributing to the whole scope of technical challenges: 1. Using a library of cell lines of diverse types to learn to distinguish cell types computationally. 2. Designing a novel microfluidics device for high-throughput, combinatorial screening of non-toxic contrast factors for robust discrimination among various cell types. 3. Use machine learning and automatic feedback system for identifying the smallest number of dye contrasts to discriminate cell types in the target collection. 4. Develop imaging device able of interrogating (emitting lights at different frequencies) living organs and producing a stack of images corresponding to distinct dyes. 5. Develop AI/ML classification and imaging system producing an integrated map of patient’s organ. |
Automated microfluidics combinatorial dye screening, Imaging device design, Image analysis | We have extensive experience of combining machine learning and experiment design for high-throughput screening for combinatorial factors affecting state of target cell lines or organoids. We also have a capability of analyzing and integrating experimentally generated images. |
We welcome input enhancing any of the target areas. |
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