According to the World Health Organization, approximately 22 million women and 5.5 million men aged between 50-84 years are estimated to suffer from osteoporosis in Europe. These threating prevalence figures have a huge economic toll for the European healthcare systems, being the costs associated with osteoporosis estimated over €37 billion/year.
Early diagnosis of osteoporosis is now possible thanks to analogue DEXA scans of hip, femur and spine. Nevertheless, the technology is not massively used in the healthcare systems because specialized radiologists need to be physically present for the results’ interpretation. This is usually only available at large hospitals.
The use of nanoparticle-filled polymers and organic semiconductors for X-ray imaging enable our diagnostic systems to provide higher detection sensitivities at lower prices. In addition, digitalization of DEXA bone densitometers will allow bringing the advantages of the digital radiology to the diagnosis of osteoporosis. This “second generation DEXA scans” can be performed by non-specialized staff, decentralized from big hospitals (smaller hospitals, clinics and ambulatories). This will be possible through teleradiology and Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD).
The benefits from digital radiology are countless: film-less (space-less and less labour intensive), fast results in just a few minutes, easy-to-share with other physicians by teleradiology, and even diagnosis by non-specialized staff through CAD. Furthermore, we have estimated that after 5 years from launch, we will build 190 devices (sales €15.6M) hire 31 technical employees, manage 2.77% of the market. We will earn almost €4.9M profit and generate a R.O.I of 2 by commercializing this technology.
