Artificial Intelligence System for Multi-Cancer Detection Support

Project Information

AI-MICADIS

Grant agreement ID: 835911

DOI

10.3030/835911

Project closed

EC signature date 21 December 2018

Start date 1 January 2019

End date 30 June 2019

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE EXPERT SRL
Romania

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - AI-MICADIS (Artificial Intelligence System for Multi-Cancer Detection Support)

Reporting period: 2019-01-01 to 2019-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The stage of cancer progression at the time of diagnosis is strongly associated with patient survival. The World Health Organization is urging governments to accelerate action to reduce premature mortality from cancer and decrease the number of people that die from cancer each year (currently > 8M). The current diagnostic tests and screening tools have very disappointing accuracy rates and many patients remain undiagnosed.
AIE is developing a ground-breaking solution that will enable early diagnoses and screening for a wide variety of cancers. By using circulating microRNAs, instead of the commonly used circulating tumour DNA or circulating cancer cells, and by using powerful Deep Learning Artificial Intelligence algorithms to analyse Real Time PCR, microarray or NGS data, AIE is developing an extremely accurate diagnostic tool that can be used for detecting the earliest stages of cancer progression.

The main objectives of this study were to obtain insights into the needs of the envisioned targeted users and the commercial viability of the platform as a service and a product. Furthermore, the objective was to use the results of the activities carried out in the feasibility study to define the exploitation and commercialization strategy.

Artificial Intelligence Expert has demonstrated the feasibility of the AI-MICADIS platform both as a service and as a product. The feasibility study determined that the commercialization strategy should follow a staggered approach and the first and second cancer indication were identified based on market research, user interviews, and surveys. The targeted customers’ willingness to buy of both the service and the platform was established.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

To assess the commercial viability of AI-MICADIS, Artificial Intelligence Expert performed an in-depth market analysis to understand its drivers and the main players, researched the needs and demands of researchers and clinicians regarding a miRNA-based diagnostic and screening test though interviews and surveys, and identified the main barriers for commercialization.
Furthermore, the advisory board was extended to include advisors with extensive business acumen, the platform training was further improved and indications to its potential use added, an initial Freedom-to-Operate analysis was performed and an initial regulatory roadmap was drafted.
The study showed that the commercialization of AI-MICADIS is feasible. The barriers that were identified can be overcome with the right mitigation strategies. To maximize implementation of the technology, AIE will focus to commercialize the platform for one indication first, quickly followed up with a second indication. A partnership with a diagnostic test developing company or pharmaceutical company is envisioned to optimize the exploitation and dissemination of the technology. The first potential partners have been contacted and discussion regarding collaborations are currently ongoing.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Artificial Intelligence Expert positively assessed the feasibility of AI-MICADIS, a platform technology that has an unprecedented accuracy, and thereby facilitating early cancer diagnosis and screening. This platform technology can significantly contribute to the goal of the World Health Organization to accelerate action to reduce premature mortality from cancer and decrease the number of people that die from cancer.

Artificial Intelligence Expert's AI-MICADIS platform technology