Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim
Jichi Medical University, DeepEyeVision and Boehringer Ingelheim have started joint research to explore effective treatments in the field of ophthalmology using AI
– Investigating the natural history of dry age-related macular degeneration in Japan and analyzing imaging biomarkers –
January 30, 2023
Jichi Medical University
DeepEyeVision Co., Ltd.
Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim Co., Ltd.
January 30, 2023 Japan/Tokyo
Jichi Medical University (Location: Shimotsuke City, Tochigi Prefecture, President: Ryozo Nagai, hereinafter “Jichi Medical University”), Jichi Medical University venture DeepEyeVision Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shimotsuke City, Tochigi Prefecture, CEO: Hidenori Takahashi, hereinafter “DeepEyeVision ”) and Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, Pharmaceutical Business Unit President: Jan-Stephan Sheld; hereinafter, “Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim”) will utilize
DeepEyeVision’s AI in the field of ophthalmology. Using the knowledge and technology of , we conducted an analysis of imaging biomarkers for the purpose of searching for effective treatment methods for dry age-related macular degeneration in Japan, and concluded a joint research agreement.
1. Research background
The macula, which is located in the center of the retina, is the part that most affects vision. Among them, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that degenerates the macula with aging.
AMD is broadly divided into two types: wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), which is accompanied by the development of choroidal neovascularization, and dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD), which presents with atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium. However, at present, no effective treatment has been established in Japan for the latter type of dry AMD (*1), and there are not many cases in Japan (*2), and detailed reports on the natural history have not been published. (*3), it is difficult to say that research on dry AMD has progressed.
Therefore, it is extremely important to conduct a detailed
investigation of the natural history of onset and growth in the Japanese population, and work toward establishing a treatment for dry AMD in the Japanese population.
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2.Research content and significance
Therefore, in this joint research, we collected images of atrophic AMD patients owned by Jichi Medical University, anonymized them so that individuals could not be identified (*4), and used a machine learning program developed by DeepEyeVision ( AI) will be used to measure and analyze the natural course.
In particular, in the process of measurement and analysis using AI, the task of extracting the atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium on the image, which used to take a long time by ophthalmologists, was replaced with region extraction (semantic segmentation) using AI. It will save a lot of time.
After that, based on the analysis results, three parties, including Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim, clarified imaging biomarkers (*5) in the onset and growth of dry AMD in Japanese people, and prepared for the introduction of future therapeutic drugs. We plan to explore. Through this joint research, the three parties will not only aim to establish a treatment method for the disease, but also accumulate knowledge on the application of AI in the field of drug discovery, including ophthalmology, and work to improve the quality of medical care. .
・About Jichi Medical University
Jichi Medical University was established jointly by all prefectures in 1972 with the aim of securing and improving medical care and promoting the welfare of local residents in remote areas lacking access to medical care. The aim is to train doctors who are devoted to medical ethics and have advanced clinical skills, as well as comprehensive nurses who can contribute to health care and welfare, and to contribute to the advancement of medicine and nursing and the improvement of welfare. is our mission.
Contact:
Jichi Medical University Research Support Division, University Administration Department
Tel: 0285-58-7550
Fax: +81-285-40-8303
・About DeepEyeVision Co., Ltd.
Jichi Medical University Associate Professor Hidenori Takahashi (M.D.) is a Jichi Medical University venture company established with the aim of returning the university’s medical AI technology to society. We are conducting research and development with the mission of making use of AI-based image diagnostic technology to advance not only the field of ophthalmology but also all medical fields.
Representative: CEO Hidenori Takahashi
Capital: 14 million yen (including capital reserve) (as of March 31, 2022) Headquarters: 329-0498 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke City, Tochigi Prefecture, within the Department of Ophthalmology, Jichi Medical University
Website: https://deepeyevision.com/
Second-class medical device manufacturing and sales business (License number 09B2X10014)
Medical device manufacturing industry (registration number 09BZ200083) Contact:
DeepEyeVision Co., Ltd.
E-mail: pr@deepeyevision.com
・About Boehringer Ingelheim
Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to developing breakthrough medicines and treatments that transform lives today and for generations to come. As a leading R&D-driven biopharmaceutical company, we are working daily to create value through innovation in fields with high unmet medical needs. Since its founding in 1885, Boehringer Ingelheim has maintained its long-term vision through a private, independent company. With more than 52,000 employees operating in more than 130 countries and markets worldwide, we operate in three business areas: human pharmaceuticals, animal health and biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing.
See below for details.
https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/
(Boehringer Ingelheim)
https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.jp/
(Boehringer Ingelheim Japan)
https://annualreport.boehringer-ingelheim.com
(Annual report in English)
Reference
(*1) https://www.nature.com/articles/s41433-021-01765-x
(*2) Oshima Y, Ishibashi T, Murata T, et al. Prevalence of age related maculopathy in a representative Japanese population: the Hisayama study. Br J Ophthalmol. 2001;85:1153-1157.
(*3) Tsujikawa, A., Takahashi, K., Obata, R. et al. Dry age-related macular degeneration in the Japanese population. Jpn J Ophthalmol 66, 8-13 (2022). https://doi. org/10.1007/s10384-021-00892-y
(*4) Based on the “Regulations on Life Science and Medical Research Involving Human Subjects at Jichi Medical University”, it will be conducted with the approval of the university’s ethics review committee.
(*5) Imaging biomarkers refer to the quantitative analysis of medical images used in clinical settings and their use as indicators of the presence or absence of disease, changes in medical conditions, and the effects of treatment.
Details about this release:
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000350.000002981.html