As part of the development and distribution agreement, the two companies will focus on the development of an embedded image analysis workflow for pathologists

Roche

The administration and R&D buildings of Roche Diagnostics, Rotkreuz. (Credit: F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd)

Roche has collaborated with PathAI for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) based digital pathology applications for enhanced patient care.

As part of the development and distribution agreement, the partnership will focus on the development of an embedded image analysis workflow for pathologists.

The new workflow will enable to integrate PathAI image analysis algorithms into NAVIFY Digital Pathology, the cloud version of Roche’s uPath enterprise software.

The partnership is established via Roche’s Digital Pathology Open Environment, which facilitates pathologists to securely access third-party AI-powered technology alongside the company’s menu of AI-based image analysis tools.

Roche Diagnostics CEO Thomas Schinecker said: “Working together, Roche and PathAI will bring the latest leading technologies to pathologists through our digital pathology solution.

“Expanded access to a menu of high medical value digital diagnostic tools will further ensure that patients are accurately diagnosed and receive the most effective treatment available.”

Initially, Roche will supply PathAI-developed research-use-only (RUO) algorithms via NAVIFY Digital Pathology for multiple cancer types.

Roche offers an end-to-end digital pathology solution from tissue staining to quality digital images, which can be evaluated using automated clinical image analysis algorithms.

According to Roche, whole slide imaging combined with modern AI-based image analysis tools are expected to change the practice of pathology.

The use of AI and deep learning methods to study whole slide images in digital pathology allows pathologists to derive novel and meaningful diagnostic insights from tissue samples.

AI-based image analysis is said to automate quantitative tasks and facilitate repeatable assessment of information-rich tissue images, which are not easy to interpret manually.

Roche provides two deployment options for its uPath software, including an on-premise solution and NAVIFY Digital Pathology cloud solution.

The VENTANA DP 200 slide scanner and Roche uPath enterprise software, which have CE-mark for in-vitro diagnostic use, are provided in the US for research use only (RUO).

Last month, Roche agreed to acquire Germany-based biotech firm TIB Molbiol Group to expand its polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test portfolio.