Mylab partners with Qure.ai for AI technology-enabled chest X-ray for early detection of TB

Pune/Mumbai: Mylab Discovery Solutions has announced its partnership with Qure.ai, a leading provider of artificial intelligence (AI) software, for medical imaging, to deploy AI technology-enabled chest X-ray for early detection of tuberculosis (TB) and aid in universal lung health.

Under the partnership, Mylab’s soon-to-be launched handheld X-Ray device, MyBeam will leverage Qure.ai’s cutting-edge AI software, qXR, to improve the accuracy and speed of TB diagnosis. MyBeam in conjunction with qXR will be an effective screening tool for TB detection and will help improve access to TB testing.

The collaboration will be a key accelerator in the country’s mission to screen and detect patients for pulmonary TB and support the Government of India’s agenda to eliminate TB by 2025. The implementation of the AI-enabled Chest X-Ray solutions for TB screening will strengthen access to screening among populations who are at greater risk for this disease.

Speaking about the partnership, Hasmukh Rawal, MD & Co-founder, Mylab Discovery Solutions, said, “Mylab is distinctly positioned to serve the need of TB program of India with the most comprehensive portfolio of solutions for screening, detection and prevention. Our hand-held X-ray device will strengthen our TB screening capabilities and with Qure.ai’s power of deep learning for radiology, the process will become much faster, more objective and scalable. It is a perfect example of two home grown companies coming together to contribute towards nation’s health.”

Commenting on the partnership, Prashant Warier, Co-founder and CEO, Qure.ai, said; “The partnership with Mylab comes at a very significant time. Both companies are leading healthcare players from India, making significant strides towards the common goal of TB elimination. Our AI-enabled integrated portable X-ray device is a scalable solution and an ideal example of how technology can make a difference in the lives of millions”

MyBeam, India’s first portable X-Ray device, through its investee company Lipomic, is equipped with state-of-the-art high-frequency technology. It is the latest addition to Mylab’s suite of solutions for screening, detection and prevention of TB. The device offers high performance and greater speed as it acquires images within a few minutes. It’s extremely compact, lightweight and provides expanded clinical coverage.  It can be used at resource-limited settings or where there’s a lack of access to equipment. MyBeam will prove to be extremely beneficial for finding TB cases in the most remote settings.

qXR for TB is a cutting-edge AI software that uses deep learning algorithms to analyse chest X-rays and accurately identify TB under a minute.  qXR is WHO recommended and CE class II certified to be used for preliminary TB screening and gives its interpretation in under a minute. Qure.ai’s lung health suite of products will complement the existing screening and diagnostic pathways and enable a sustained increase in active case findings.

India remains the highest contributor to global TB cases, accounting for 26 per cent of total cases and 34 per cent of all deaths worldwide. Annual TB cases in India rose by 19% in 2021 and TB deaths recorded a 11% per cent hike in 2021 from the previous year, as per the India TB report 2022. Still, there remains a large gap between the estimated incidence and the number TB cases reported. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical to effective treatment and disease control.

The partnership will have MyBeam integrated with Qure.ai’s AI-enabled computer-assisted detection software, along with its lung health management platform, to evaluate chest X-rays and identify presumptive TB patients. The AI-enabled screening pathway will be crucial for augmenting the current TB screening mechanism and alleviate pressure on the healthcare workforce relative to identification of TB presumptive patients.