Medicalgorithmics, a technology company listed on the sWIG80 index, has signed an agreement with American Heart of Poland, operator of the Polish-American Heart Clinics network of cardiology departments, to collaborate on a research project conducted by Medicalgorithmics titled “Comparative Study of Predictive Models for Coronary Artery Stenosis Analysis.”
Under the terms of the agreement, American Heart of Poland (AHP) will participate in a comparative study of the VCAST product, utilizing prototype predictive models of AI/ML algorithms for automatic detection of coronary artery stenosis based on heart CT data. As part of the project, VCAST software will be used in the diagnosis of 200 patients suspected of coronary artery disease. Pending the completion of CE certification, Medicalgorithmics will use the results of this study in the development of new features for the VCAST software.
– Enhancing the analysis of coronary computed tomography with the assessment using artificial intelligence can bring significant benefits to patients through the implementation of the best-targeted treatment, which should translate into a reduction in the number of cardiovascular incidents. Supporting diagnosis and treatment with artificial intelligence algorithms can significantly improve not only treatment outcomes but also facilitate the work of therapeutic teams in caring for patients with cardiovascular disease, said Dr. Adam Janas, PhD, Prof. UK, principal investigator in the project..
VCAST (Virtual Cardiac Stress Test) is advanced cloud-based software developed by Kardiolytics, a subsidiary of Medicalgorithmics. It allows for non-invasive assessment of coronary artery condition using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to identify and analyze stenosis caused by the presence of atherosclerotic plaques. The analysis process in VCAST is based on the analysis of heart CT images, enabling the generation of detailed 3D models of the patient’s coronary arteries and a blood flow analysis report, which assists doctors in diagnosing and monitoring coronary artery disease. Compared to currently widely used, expensive, and highly invasive diagnostic procedures (coronary angiography) performed in hospitals, VCAST offers a completely non-invasive, faster, and significantly cheaper, thus more accessible diagnostic method for ischemic heart disease.
– We are pleased that the largest private network of cardiology departments in Poland, serving over 230,000 patients annually, will support us in developing VCAST. The joint research project will not only deepen our understanding of the application of AI technology in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease but also allow us to assess its impact and adaptation to the clinical needs of cardiologists in everyday practice. We hope that after completing the CE certification process, thanks to this collaboration, the research project will form the basis for further commercialization of VCAST technology within the AHP Group, said Przemysław Tadla, member of the board and CTO of Medicalgorithmics, CEO of Kardiolytics.
Kardiolytics is in the process of certifying the VCAST technology in accordance with CE requirements in the European Union market. After obtaining certification, the company plans to begin commercialization of the solution in European markets and will apply to the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) for approval of the technology in the U.S. market under the 510(k) procedure.
Medicalgorithmics is preparing for the commercialization of the VCAST technology and building a customer base that will use the solution for coronary artery disease diagnostics after the CE certification process is completed. In July this year, the company announced an agreement with the Multispecialty SPZOZ Hospital in Nowa Sól for the use of VCAST in one of its research projects. Furthermore, Medicalgorithmics has signed a letter of intent with Diagnostyka Group—the leader in medical diagnostics in Poland—regarding the commercial implementation of the VCAST technology. The company is also in talks with international partners interested in commercializing VCAST in European markets.
The Polish company is not the first in the world to develop non-invasive technology for blood flow analysis to diagnose coronary artery disease. U.S.-based company HeartFlow has regulatory approval for the commercialization of a similar solution in the U.S. The entity has raised over $600 million for further development and product rollout in new markets. According to the latest information, the company is valued at $1.5 billion. Another competitor of Medicalgorithmics is Cleary, an American company that has raised nearly 300 million USD from investors and is valued at close to 1 billion USD (according to data from dealroom.co). The company also offers software for non-invasive coronary artery analysis and plaque analysis.