REAL ECONOMY BLOG | November 18, 2022

Authored by RSM US LLP

This week we look at a program focused on identifying biases from artificial intelligence-powered diagnostics, a study exploring the possibility of dissolvable stents and staples, and an AI-powered solution targeted at physicians and caregivers. Finally, we review a Food and Drug Administration announcement on naloxone and a partnership for a non-invasive device that can detect early signs of skin diseases in infants. Each week we highlight five developments affecting the life sciences industry. Here are the latest.

Mayo Clinic launches program to identify potential biases in AI solutions

Mayo Clinic has launched a program called Platform_Validate designed to confirm the accuracy of AI solutions used in health care and diagnostics. The initiative’s goal is to identify data deficiencies used to build and curate AI algorithms. The program reviews models for potential biases in various characteristics, including age and ethnicity. The product will complement Platform_Discover, an existing offering that provides data sets used in AI model development.

MIT study explores non-surgical removal of stents and staples

A study published this month by researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology explored the prospect of using gallium, a liquid metal alloy, to remove implanted medical devices such as stents and staples, in a non-invasive manner by showing efficacy in breaking down implantable aluminum devices. Toxicity studies on animals indicated that the necessary doses of gallium appeared to be nontoxic. Additional research has commenced on the effectiveness of this solution on nickel and titanium.

Medical records inform predictive marketing campaigns for pharmaceutical companies

OptimizeRX, a health technology company, is using AI-enabled solutions to send marketing materials to physicians based on review of insurance claims, lab information and other health care data. The solutions use predictive analytics to anticipate patient needs and send targeted messages to caregivers.

FDA moves toward making naloxone more readily available

The FDA has issued a Federal Register notice for certain naloxone products, the drug frequently used to prevent opioid overdose death. All 50 states have laws allowing pharmacists to give out naloxone without a doctor’s prescription, but barriers and easy access to the drug still exist. The FDA’s announcement is not a final determination, but a step toward making the drug widely available over-the-counter.

Pilot launches for AI-powered skin monitoring device for infants

SciBase announces a two-year collaboration with Johnson & Johnson for its portable and non-invasive skin monitoring device. The device uses electrical impedance spectroscopy measurements and AI to predict eczema and other skin allergies and diseases. The study will test the validity of the technology with the goal of detecting infants most at risk for eczema and other skin-related diseases.

Note: Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, we will not publish this post next week. We’ll resume publication the week of Nov. 28.

This article was written by Justin Culbertson, Steve Kemler, David Stuart, Brian Winne and originally appeared on 2022-11-18.
2022 RSM US LLP. All rights reserved.
https://realeconomy.rsmus.com/5-things-to-know-in-life-sciences-week-of-nov-14-2022/

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