Roche and BMS partner on AI development project
Roche and Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) have teamed to use artificial intelligence to improve patient selection for trials.
The deal will initially focus on development of an AI-based image analysis algorithm to help pathologists interpreting the Ventana PD-L1 assay. BMS will use the resulting software to generate biomarker data from clinical trial samples.
In due course Roche and BMS plan to leverage a recently announced collaboration with PathAI to integrate an algorithm for CD8 biomarker analysis into the Swiss pharmaceutical firm’s Navify workflow software.
According to Roche AI-based imaging tools can “help to support clinical trials in the investigation of targeted therapy options.”
Sarah Hersey, VP of Translational Sciences and Diagnostics at BMS said “The ability to more deeply interrogate images will present opportunities to better understand disease biology, potentially leading to expanded and improved drug development options and ultimately highly effective patient selection strategies.”
Jill German, head of Roche Diagnostics Pathology Customer Area said “The Bristol Myers Squibb and PathAI collaborations are among the first examples where AI technology and digital pathology applications are playing a role in developing treatments for patients.
“By using our Navify Digital platform to interpret tissue-based assays and AI algorithms, pathologists are better able to identify targeted therapy options, ultimately improving patient care,” she said.
According to Roche AI-based imaging tools can “help to support clinical trials in the investigation of targeted therapy options.”
The collaboration is part of the digital pathology open environment project Roche launched last September. The aim is to allow software developers to integrate image analysis tools for tumor tissue with Roche’s uPath enterprise pathology software.
At the time Thomas Schinecker, CEO Roche Diagnostics, said “Roche is at the center of digital transformation for pathology, and is investing heavily in this innovation to improve patient outcomes.
“Providing pathologists with access to innovative digital tools from Roche and our collaborators through an open environment is critical for laboratory customers and the patients they serve.”
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