Imaging industry names in the news: Bayer, Carestream, Guerbet, RadNet, more

Nanox of Neve Ilan, Israel, is collaborating with Microsoft company Nuance (Burlington, Mass.) to connect Nanox.AI, the startup’s deep-learning analytics arm, with Nuance’s Precision Imaging Network (Feb. 14). … Nuance VP Roland Dias: “The collaboration between Nanox.AI and Nuance offers a comprehensive solution that supports clinicians in the U.S. in the evaluation and detection of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis through medical screening. We are proud to work with an organization like Nanox.AI. that is similarly committed to bringing value to healthcare organizations and advancing population health.”

Less than a month after announcing their intention to meld, Bayer (Leverkusen, Germany) and imaging AI company Blackford Analysis (Edinburgh, Scotland) have completed the transaction, making the latter a wholly owned subsidiary of the former (Feb. 13). … Bayer’s president of radiology Gerd Krüger: “Today’s official closing [of the deal] marks an important step in implementing our strategy to drive innovation in radiology, including the development and adoption of AI within the clinical workflow.”

Novarad of Salt Lake City is partnering with Ikonopedia of Richardson, Texas, on a breast care platform, NovaMG Pro, which the companies say combines Novarad’s expertise in viewer and image-management technology with Ikonopedia’s know-how in cloud-based reporting and tracking (Feb. 8). … Ikonopedia CEO Emily Crane: “We know this collaboration will save lives, increase identification of high-risk patients and provide physicians with the best tools available."

Carestream Health (Rochester, N.Y.) is partnering with Robarts Research Institute (London, Ontario) to advance translational research involving digital X-ray, digital tomosynthesis and dual energy technologies with the aim of improving care for patients with cardiothoracic and pulmonary diseases (Feb. 7). Carestream will supply imaging equipment and software while the institute, which is part of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University, advances patient-centric clinical research and collaborative projects of interest to researchers, clinicians and industry product developers. … Carestream head of advanced research and innovation Luca Bogoni, PhD: “Robarts is highly respected for its work in translational research. We greatly appreciate this partnership and the opportunity to evaluate, learn and improve our solutions within a clinical setting.”

Having renewed its partnerships with US Ski & Snowboard, US Speedskating and USA Bobsled/Skeleton, Minneapolis-based Rayus Radiology will continue to serve as an official medical provider for athletes represented by all three (Feb. 7). … US Ski & Snowboard director of high performance Gillian Bower: “Injury is an all-too-familiar part of our sports, and Rayus helps our athletes get timely, accurate medical imaging that helps them understand their injuries and create the best plan to get back to performance.”

Los Angeles-based RadNet division Radiology Imaging Associates (Fort Pierce, Fla.) has started offering an enhanced breast cancer detection service, which allows patients to pay an additional fee at annual mammogram time to receive AI-based diagnostic upgrades and other decision-making aids (Feb. 6). … RadNet breast imaging director Jacqueline Holt, MD: “We are using AI to detect breast cancers that the human eye might not notice. In my experience, the addition of these proven, FDA-cleared algorithms has allowed us to detect hundreds of cancers that otherwise would not have been found at the time of screening.”

Radiation therapy vendor Isoray of Richland, Wash., has merged with radiopharmaceutical supplier Viewpoint Molecular Targeting of Coralville, Iowa (Feb. 3). Viewpoint CEO Thijs Spoor becomes CEO of the combined entity while outgoing Isoray CEO Lori Woods chairs its board of directors. … Thijs Spoor: “The mission of the combined company is to further develop the role of Cesium-131 for the treatment of a variety of cancers while we expand on our exciting and novel pipeline of proprietary targeting peptides to diagnose tumors in order to deliver powerful targeted alpha therapies. The use of alpha-particle radiation with proprietary targeted delivery agents has the potential to transform the treatment paradigm of patients suffering from early-stage cancers.”

Guerbet (Villepinte, France) has begun filling orders for its first batch of the MRI gadolinium-based contrast agent Elucirem (gadopiclenol) since the FDA cleared the drug for U.S. sales last September. The injectable can be used in adults as well as in pediatric patients 2 years old and up. Its indications include suspected abnormal vascularity in the central nervous system and the body (Feb. 2). … Guerbet commercial VP for North America Jared Houk: “Releasing the first batch from our production facility in North Carolina is an important moment for everyone at Guerbet and we are proud to see the hard work and dedication come to fruition.”

Dave Pearson

Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.

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