Roche partners with Ibex Medical Analytics to develop artificial intelligence-based cancer diagnostics

Roche have announced that they have entered into an agreement with Ibex Medical Analytics, a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI)-based cancer diagnostics. 

Under the agreement, the companies will jointly develop an embedded image analysis workflow for pathologists to seamlessly access Ibex's AI algorithms, insights, and decision support tools using NAVIFY Digital Pathology, the cloud version of Roche's uPath enterprise software. Collaborations with leading AI companies like Ibex are made possible through Roche's Digital Pathology Open Environment, which allows pathologists to securely access third-party AI-powered technology alongside Roche's growing menu of AI-based image analysis tools.

Ibex's Galen platform recently received Breakthrough Device Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) and CE mark in Europe for breast and prostate cancer detection in multiple workflows. Through this alliance, customers using Roche Digital Pathology will gain access to Ibex's innovative tools, such as algorithms that analyse prostate and breast biopsies, in addition to the AI tools already provided by Roche.

The clinical-grade AI algorithms and digital workflows included in this expanded menu of tools is expected to enable pathologists to provide accurate, efficient and timely diagnoses for their patients and support them in the detection and grading of cancer, identification of important non-cancerous features, case reporting and more.

Roche launches new test for diagnosis and monitoring of Thyroid Cancer

Roche has announced the global launch (except US) of Elecsys Calcitonin, a new laboratory test for the diagnosis and lifelong monitoring of medullary thyroid cancer patients after thyroid surgery. This test is based on Calcitonin, a specific tumour marker that can help diagnose medullary thyroid carcinoma early, as elevated concentrations of calcitonin in the blood are associated with the onset of this type of cancer.

 

Designed for use on Roche’s cobas modular analyser platform, Elecsys Calcitonin offers healthcare professionals an integrated solution for accurate diagnosis and reliable patient monitoring, significantly improving medical decision-making and treatment planning.

Click here for more info

 

Counterfeit drugs - A global threat

A recent editorial on "The Lancet" called for strengthening the fight against counterfeit drugs. This call comes right after the US FDA have warned that 19 medical practices had bought counterfeit versions of the anti-cancer drug bevacizumab (Avastin) of Roche from an overseas supplier. This was not the first alarm over counterfeit drugs this year. 

Counterfeit drugs apart from causing serious adverse effects lack the efficacy that of the genuine drug. Counterfeit anti-infective drugs might also increase the risks of drug resistance. Counterfeit drugs are found across all economic situations - in developing and developed nations. The category of drugs might differ though. In 2009, there were 34 million fake tablets (including antibiotics, cancer treatments, and sildenafil citrate (Viagra)) in seized just 2 months.

The article quoted the statement from WHO, “counterfeit drugs may erode public confidence in health care systems, health care professionals, the suppliers and sellers of genuine drugs, the pharmaceutical industry and national Drug Regulatory Authorities”. 

In 2006, WHO created IMPACT (International Medical Products Anti-Counterfeiting Taskforce) a global initiative to curb counterfeit drug malaise. But some NGOs and Indian and Brazilian Governments have opposed the work of IMPACT. The principal reason is they believe it would confuse quality and intellectual property rights issues and thus undermine access to legitimate and much lower-cost generic medicines consumed mostly in poor areas. Although enforcement of trademarks is often one way that dangerous fake medicines are stopped, overzealous interpretation of intellectual property laws can reduce access to good medicines. Kenya's Anti-Counterfeit Act, enacted in 2009, has been criticised for not clearly distinguishing the difference between generic and counterfeit drugs. The Act was challenged as a violation of the right to life by three patients with HIV/AIDS, because they were denied affordable generic medicines after the enforcement of the law.

The Lancet, Volume 379, Issue 9817, Page 685, 25 February 2012
doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60289-X