Intelligent Ultrasound enters research deal with University of Dundee

Artificial intelligence software and simulation specialist Intelligent Ultrasound announced a research agreement with the University of Dundee on Tuesday to advance the development of AI-based tools for screening patients with liver disease.

The AIM-traded firm said the partnership aimed to improve the diagnosis and management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its advanced form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

Leveraging an extensive archive of over one million ultrasound images obtained from around 50,000 patients within the University of Dundee and NHS Tayside, Intelligent Ultrasound said it aimed to create machine-learning models to facilitate the staging of liver disease and monitor its progression.

The research agreement would primarily operate on a royalty-based structure, granting the company the opportunity to develop AI-driven ultrasound tools that could support healthcare professionals in addressing the challenges posed by MASLD.

Early-stage detection of the disease was crucial, as it would enable patients to mitigate liver damage potentially through dietary and lifestyle modifications.

“We are very pleased to be working with professor John Dillon at the University of Dundee on this exciting project,” said chief operating officer Nicholas Sleep.

“John is a world-renowned hepatologist, having played a major role in introducing Hepatitis C screening in Scotland.”

Sleep said his team’s clinical experience, combined with the “richness” of the Dundee dataset, would create a strong pairing with Intelligent Ultrasound’s expertise in creating healthcare AI solutions.

“This is a key longer-term step for us as we look to build our fourth AI ultrasound platform and we have high hopes for this proof-of-concept work.”

At 1451 GMT, shares in Intelligent Ultrasound Group were up 0.68% at 9.66p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.