Clinical trial imaging solutions company Voiant is expanding its artificial intelligence (AI)-based capabilities with the purchase of Voxeleron, an AI-driven ophthalmic image analysis startup.
Start with Voiant.
Formed in 2023 and headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, Voiant is comprised of three clinical trial imaging-based clinical research organizations:
- MedQIA
- WorldCare Clinical
- Digital Angiography Reading Center (DARC)
- Notably: A global provider of retinal imaging evaluation services for clinical trials
Its purpose: To provide biopharmaceutical companies with “high-speed delivery of quality clinical endpoint data” by incorporating AI and clinical research expertise into six key therapeutic areas—including ophthalmology.
- And its technology: A cloud-based platform incorporating picture archiving and communication (PACS) with a comprehensive clinical trial management system (CTMS).
- Refresher:
- PACS is a healthcare-utilized digital system that captures, stores, and transmits medical images and reports into one centralized location
- CTMS serves as a hub for research operations for simple study conduct and improved overall execution and management of clinical trials
- Refresher:
Zero in on this ophthalmic expertise.
Since its launch, the company has delivered imaging services covering phase 1-4 investigational drug and medical device clinical trials for ophthalmic indications such as:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Conjunctivitis
- Diabetic macular edema (DME)
- Dry eye
- Geographic atrophy
- Retinitis pigmentosa
- Uveitis
Go on …
Plus, the company also provides custom-designed data outputs for ocular imaging, with modality expertise for:
- Optical coherence tomography
- OCT-angiography
- Anterior segment OCT
- Color fundus photography
- Fundus autofluorescence
- Microperimetry
- Slit lamp photography
- Visual fields
(See the complete list here.)
Its operations: Include a team of 3,500+ ophthalmologists, technicians, regulatory experts, and project members.
- What they do: Partner with sponsors to develop imaging protocols, set workflows, and provide quality control and training throughout the clinical trial process.
Next, a rundown on Voxeleron.
Founded in 2010 and based in Austin, Texas, this “pioneering company” develops AI-based software for ophthalmic clinical trials via the use of cloud-based imaging management and image analysis solutions.
Those solutions: Include three OCT analysis applications utilizing advanced computer vision and machine learning algorithms.
- Its flagship software: Orion, a fully automated OCT research software designed to “rapidly and accurately” segment up to eight retinal layers in OCT images.
Talk more about this lead software.
Orion enables three key capabilities through its intuitive AI-based analysis software:
- Analyzing images and data across an “entire spectrum” of devices and platforms
- Acquiring best-in-class retinal segmentation
- Reducing read times with automated measurements
Additional features extend to 3D visualization, layer editing, angiography support, and batch processing.
- Click here for a visual of the software in action.
So why acquire Voxeleron?
The big picture: Utilizing its ophthalmic clinical trial expertise, Voaint plans to add Voxeleron’s imaging software technology to the mix and develop “the next generation of imaging solutions” in ophthalmic clinical research.
The result: An integrated ophthalmic platform with AI-based insights for retinal and corneal imaging.
And its target: Encompasses three main areas of advancement—all geared towards expediting treatment delivery to patients in need.
So what’s the plan moving forward?
With Volereon now operating under Voiant, Voiant intends to continue investing in advancing biomarker development and image analysis capabilities.
The goal, per Voiant CEO Jim Primerano: “Our integrated platform will deliver deeper clinical insights, faster timelines, enhanced quality, and cost efficiencies, ultimately benefiting patients in need."