Bayer is further enhancing its extensive radiology portfolio, making strides with development initiatives and innovations in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). At the 2024 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Annual Meeting, scheduled from December 1-5 in Chicago, USA, the company will unveil new research for gadoquatrane, its investigational low-dose macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent currently in phase III trials.
In conjunction with the event, Bayer has announced plans to deepen its partnership with the global medical technology firm, Subtle Medical. The aim of this alliance is to leverage AI in medical imaging. Together, they aim to advance the SubtleGAD deep-learning algorithm, which intends to reduce the required dose of certain gadolinium-based contrast agents for patients undergoing MRI scans, without compromising diagnostic quality.
Additionally, Bayer will introduce the latest addition to its CT product line, the MEDRAD Centargo CT Injection System, recently cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Bayer will also present its Cortenic Connectivity Platform at RSNA – a digital tool designed to streamline workflows through data connectivity between injectors and radiology suite systems.
Furthermore, Bayer will showcase a range of tools for fostering innovation in Radiology AI and digitalization, from conceptualization to implementation: Its proprietary AI Innovation Platform (AIIP) supports healthcare organizations and startups in creating AI-enabled software solutions. Bayer is expanding AIIP with seven new collaboration agreements with data providers. It also announced collaborations to enhance Calantic Digital Solutions, its medical imaging platform which consolidates AI-enabled applications for clinical use.
Bayer’s activities at RSNA are indicative of its dedication as a key player in radiology, aiming to unlock new prospects and speed up innovation to benefit patients and assist radiologists in overcoming current and future challenges.
Bayer Highlights Scientific Advancement with Gadoquatrane at RSNA
Gadoquatrane, Bayer’s experimental macrocyclic gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent, is in phase III studies to assess its potential for significantly reducing dosage in contrast-enhanced MRI procedures. A series of RSNA sessions will provide insights into the compound.
Topics to be covered include pharmacokinetics in both healthy individuals and patients with CNS lesions compared to gadobutrol, supporting dose selection for the novel tetrameric GBCA, and sessions on MR angiography. These studies are critical in evaluating signal enhancement and dose-response characteristics for visualization of blood vessels.
The presentation will acknowledge the scientific paper awarded the top Neuroradiology scientific paper for 2024, the Kuo York Chynn Neuroradiology Research Award.
Enhancements in CT Systems Among Bayer’s Technological Focus
As a multi-patient system, the MEDRAD™ Centargo CT Injection System allows radiology technologists to hone in on patient care while easing procedural strains. Following its EU CE mark in 2020, it has launched in 49 markets, now extending its value to U.S. radiology departments faced with staffing challenges.
Bayer’s Cortenic Connectivity Platform underscores the crucial role of data, connectivity, and interoperability in future healthcare, offering significant possibilities across the care continuum.
Tackling AI Development Challenges in Healthcare
Earlier this year, Bayer revealed its collaboration with Google Cloud. Bayer’s AIIP, built on Google Cloud technology, aims to expedite AI/ML healthcare application development, testing, and rollout. At RSNA, Bayer is announcing numerous collaborations with external data providers and will also support “Deep Lake” by Activeloop for AI-ready radiological data.
Calantic Digital Solutions’ Expansion
Calantic Digital Solutions now partners with new providers like Rad ai and AIRS Medical to advance its offerings. By integrating various third-party solutions, Bayer ensures that the apps meet rigorous standards of feasibility and reliability within a cloud-based marketplace.
Industry Thought Leadership and Bayer’s Comprehensive Portfolio
Amidst more than 40 presentations at RSNA, Bayer’s teams will offer valuable insights to encourage the adoption of advanced AI strategies within radiology, focusing on regulatory, security, and compliance challenges.
Having pioneered radiology for over a century, Bayer is committed to excellence across products and services vital for enhancing patient care efficiency. Its leading portfolio encompasses media for CT, X-ray, and MRI, alongside precision delivery devices and informatics solutions, generating approximately €2bn in 2023 sales.
As a global leader with expertise in healthcare and nutrition, Bayer remains devoted to its mission “Health for all, Hunger for none”, striving to help address the challenges of a growing and aging global population.