PocDoc secures CE mark for digital reader of lateral flow testing

Cambridge-based startup PocDoc has secured a CE mark for its artificial intelligence (AI) driven digital reader of lateral flow tests.

The cloud-based system allows any smartphone or tablet to become a universal digital reader, so healthcare organisations can roll out lateral flow testing for any disease or marker at scale.  

Steve Roest, CEO and cofounder, PocDoc said: “We truly believe that the answer to many global diseases is to make diagnostics more accessible and affordable by combining lateral flow tests with the PocDoc platform and app. This allows healthcare organisations to scale diagnostic testing at a fraction of the price of laboratory testing in areas that may be thousands of miles from the nearest testing lab.’’ 

Poolbeg Pharma and CytoReason partner to identify novel drug targets for Influenza

Israeli AI startup CytoReason has signed a deal with London and Dublin based Poolbeg Pharma to analyse influenza disease progression data.

The partnership will harness the insights of Poolbeg’s repository of influenza human challenge trial data (a controlled clinical infection trial whereby individuals are intentionally exposed to a virus or a condition caused by a virus is simulated).

CytoReason’s validated AI models will enable a deep understanding of the mechanism of influenza infection and recovery, therefore helping to identify novel drug targets.

Jeremy Skillington, PhD, CEO, Poolbeg Pharma, said: “This is the first time AI analysis will be undertaken on influenza human challenge trial data and we look forward to the results early next year.”

Caterpillar receives £450,000 for rewards-based digital health platform

UK-based health tech firm Caterpillar has received £450,000 from investors including Jenson Funding Partners to fund its digital rewards platform for health promotion, education and behavioural change.

The cash boost will be used to add new features to the app, expand the range of loyalty schemes it offers, and for other areas of business development.

Caterpillar is built on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform and connects to third-party wearables and health apps, such as Google Fit and Apple Health.

Caterpillar CEO and founder, Paul Baverstock, said: “Our idea is simple. We use behavioural science and rewards-based nudges to help people make healthy life changes that stick and to help prevent the onset of expensive to treat avoidable ill health.”

SleepX applies to the Helsinki Committee for approval on its clinical trial of app

Israeli research and development company SleepX has applied to the Helsinki Committee for approval to begin a clinical trial for its sleep apnea platform.

The company, a subsidiary of AppYea, intends to test the SleepX Pro app at a hospital sleep lab as a first step towards applying for an FDA approval under the medical device category.

SleepX Pro is designed to diagnose sleep apnea without physical contact through AI analysis of breathing during sleep via a smartphone.

Boris (Bary) Molchadsky, president and CEO, SleepX, and chairman, AppYea, said: “SleepX PRO makes for a unique, quick and friendly diagnosis tool that will prevent subjects from having to spend nights at sleep labs while saving the healthcare system and insurance companies hundreds of millions of dollars.”