Skin Analytics awarded funding to scale AI technology that detects skin cancer

London-based medical technology company Skin Analytics has been awarded Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) cancer program funding for the large-scale use of its AI technology to detect skin cancer in the NHS.

The AI ​​tool, DERM, analyzes skin lesions to help doctors detect cancer at an early stage. Already in use by a number of NHS trusts, including the Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust, the highly accurate AI has helped more than 38,000 NHS patients and detected more than 2,200 cancer cases to date.

This new funding will support Skin Analytics and NHS services to open three new skin cancer pathways across England, accessible through community centres, meaning thousands more patients will be able to access the world-leading DERM skin cancer treatment later this year Will have access to the route.

Neil Daly, Founder and CEO of Skin Analytics, said: “By giving communities faster and more convenient access to skin cancer assessments, our technology will help improve outcomes for people living with cancer and for NHS teams.

“The extension of the NHS partnership with Skin Analytics is another positive example of the NHS promoting world-leading technologies and the next generation of dermatology pathways.,

Skin Analytics’ DERM uses machine learning and AI image analysis technology to identify cancerous lesions.

In a review of more than 10,000 lesions seen in the past year, DERM identified 98.7% of cancers, including 100% of melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma, while identifying seven out of 10 benign lesions that did not require expert input Was.

The company will create three AI Community Diagnostic Hubs (CDHs) alongside NHS services: Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), Hereford and Worcester ICBs, and Lancashire and South Cumbria ICBs, to provide people with rapid access. Accurate assessment of skin cancer without the need to go to their GP practice.

Skin Analytics is one of several organizations that has received SBRI Cancer Program funding. The bid was supported by the East of England Cancer Alliance.

Dr Linda Hunter, Clinical Director, East of England Cancer Alliance (North), said: “We are delighted that this world-class technology will be available in our area, giving people faster and more accurate skin cancer screening.

“The number of urgent referrals for skin cancer has now reached an average of almost 7,000 per month – the highest number of urgent referrals out of all cancer routes in the region.

“This latest innovation will ease pressure on NHS teams and ensure people get the right treatment sooner, in line with the East of England Cancer Strategy.”