Photocure and Intelligent Scopes Corporation partner on development of AI for blue light cystoscopy
Photocure and Intelligent Scopes Corporation partner on development of AI for blue light cystoscopy |
| [15-October-2025] |
OSLO, Norway, Oct. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Photocure ASA (OSE: PHO), the Bladder Cancer Company, announces that it has entered into a partnership with Intelligent Scopes Corporation (ISC) to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) software with blue light cystoscopy (BLC®). Initial testing shows promising performance results. Photocure and ISC have signed a development agreement on AI software and BLC for the detection of bladder tumors. Photocure is a pioneer in the bladder cancer diagnostics market with its Hexvix®/Cysview® products, supported by robust clinical evidence and treatment guidelines. ISC, based in the U.S., is a subsidiary of Claritas HealthTech Limited, based in the UK. Claritas and its affiliates, together with ISC, develop leading endoscopy solutions that ISC commercializes. In the current development phase, Photocure and ISC are collaborating to develop an AI software which can support the physician in real-time during blue light cystoscopy, improving early-stage bladder cancer detection, diagnosis, and resection completeness. The initial testing results were based on approximately 200 blue light procedures with more than 80,000 images. These results support the benefits of AI enabled blue light cystoscopy by detecting high risk cancerous lesions earlier in the patient pathway and more accurately. Photocure will support the development collaboration through an initial clinical study, with the aim to collect blue light videos and images from bladder cancer patients, at multiple sites in the U.S. and Europe, to train the blue light AI software. Details of the study (ENAiBLE) can be found on clinicaltrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07144319). Upon completion of the development, Photocure and ISC intend to pursue FDA clearance for the AI software compatible with any blue light cystoscope system. Regulatory clearances will be pursued in parallel across Europe and other markets. The next milestone would be the beta-version of the new Blue light AI detection software within 12-18 months, ahead of regulatory review. Based on the terms of the agreement, Photocure will have exclusive, perpetual rights to commercialize the new solution via its direct sales force, distributors or partners, as well as license to device manufacturers in any given country upon regulatory clearance. "Our partnership with ISC is part of Photocure's strategic focus on advancing precision diagnostics in uro-oncology. Building on its strong track record and established credibility in bladder cancer diagnostics, Photocure aims to leverage leading innovative technologies to grow a portfolio of complementary diagnostic solutions to address the evolving needs of patients, physicians, and the broader healthcare community. This initiative underscores Photocure's commitment to drive the progress towards more personalized and data-driven management in uro-oncology, enabling better clinical outcomes. Recent publications indicate that the global AI cancer diagnostic market is experiencing significant growth due to the rising prevalence of cancer, increasing demand for precision diagnostics to increase accuracy, and a growing awareness for the importance of early and more precise diagnosis. BLC has become the reference point for next-generation cystoscopy technologies — it is not just enhancing what we see, but also redefining what is possible in detecting previously easy to miss but aggressive disease. We envision that ISC's AI technology will support transforming diagnostic approaches using BLC and will create a strategic shift towards integrated precision medicine," said Dan Schneider, President and CEO of Photocure. Dr. Rajesh Nair, Urological Surgeon at Guy's and St. Thomas', UK, and Chief Medical Officer at ISC, commented, "As a practicing bladder cancer surgeon, where I regularly face the challenge of accurate detection and complete resection of tumors, I am excited about the prospect of a new solution that combines ISC's proven track record in state-of-the-art AI solutions for cystoscopy with the detection capabilities of blue light cystoscopy that Photocure provides. With the evidenced improvement in accuracy achieved with ISC's existing AI technology for bladder tumor detection, the application of its cutting-edge technology together with the enhanced detection capability of blue light cystoscopy from Photocure marks a significant leap forward in bladder cancer diagnostics with the potential to transform bladder cancer management, significantly enhancing patient care and outcomes." "The integration of AI will ensure BLC continues to out-perform white light cystoscopy, as initial performance data indicate blue light AI has the potential to detect more tumors, especially high-grade flat carcinoma in situ (CIS) lesions, than white light AI. However, assisting urologists in the detection of tumors with AI-enhanced blue light cystoscopy is just a first development step. We also intend to explore the blue light AI software to assist with real-time tumor characterization and mapping of CIS lesions for enhancing risk stratification and precision monitoring. Such additional aims expand the utility of our technology to further help urologists achieve their bladder cancer management goals with BLC. These next iterations could drive practice-changing applications that blue light cystoscopy can uniquely deliver," said Anders Neijber, Chief Medical Officer of Photocure. Note to editors: All trademarks mentioned in this release are protected by law and are registered trademarks of Photocure ASA.This press release may contain product details and information which are not valid, or a product is not accessible, in your country. Please be aware that Photocure does not take any responsibility for accessing such information which may not comply with any legal process, regulation, registration or usage in the country of your origin. About Bladder Cancer 1 Globocan. a) 5-year prevalence / b) incidence/mortality by population. Available at: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed [February 2024]. About Hexvix®/Cysview® (hexaminolevulinate HCl)
About Claritas HealthTech Limited CONTACT: For further information, please contact: Dan Schneider Erik Dahl Priyam Shah Media and IR enquiries: Geir Bjørlo This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com The following files are available for download:
SOURCE Photocure | ||
Company Codes: Bloomberg:PHO@NO,ISIN:NO0010000045,OSE:PHO,Oslo:PHO.OL,RICS:PHO.OL |
View original content:
