California Institute of Technology

Akido’s Breakthrough AI Unlocks a Reimagined Care Experience with a Focus on Bringing Exceptional Healthcare to All The Council will Establish Ethical Guidelines for the AI Industry and the Technology’s Integration into Institutional Healthcare LOS ANGELES, Aug. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Health AI company Akido today announced the creation of an ethics council tasked with developing a set of industry standards for the integration of artificial intelligence in hospital and institutional health environments. Founding Council members represent Caltech’s Merkin Institute for Translational Research and the Department of Surgery Innovation Hub at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. Akido's next-generation AI is designed to transform the workflows of healthcare, reimagining every facet of the care experience with a focus on patients and providers. Akido is currently integrating its proprietary AI technology within its fast-growing medical network (aka Akido Care), which includes over 240 doctors, operates more than 90 clinics across both coasts and is responsible for nearly half a million patients. This technology holds the potential for system-wide integration within healthcare and as the use-cases for AI expand, these standards will ensure Akido’s artificial intelligence platform – and the entire AI healthcare industry – prioritizes the patient. The Merkin Institute of Translational Research at Caltech empowers scientists and engineers to connect discoveries and breakthroughs in the lab to improved human health. With a focus on mobilizing science at points along the translational arc from basic discovery through to clinical collaboration and the introduction of new treatments, the institute facilitates the translation of knowledge into healthcare products and services. “The AI research done at Caltech is multifaceted and, among other applications, has been paired with biology to focus on drug and medical device design. This new council provides an opportunity to connect the insights of science to shape and improve how patients are treated,” said Dr. George Tolomiczenko, the Merkin Institute’s Executive Director. “From the perspective of the patient’s journey and experience of care, AI can crack the code of a new universe of data. Developing bio-behavioral markers that can inform clinical decision making is an important form of back-translation that must be done within an ethical framework.” The Department of Surgery Innovation Hub at the Keck School of Medicine of USC is dedicated to fostering discoveries in healthcare with the goal of advancing the science of medicine. As part of the university’s medical school, the hub connects new discoveries and ideas to the practice of medicine while cultivating a philosophy of continued learning and innovation that prioritizes compassionate care. “AI is inevitably going to become a part of the healthcare environment,” said Brad Selby, USC Department of Surgery CAO. “This is our chance to make sure it does so in a truly beneficial way. We can establish standards, guidelines, and best practices to ensure that the patient’s wellbeing is always the primary concern.” “Artificial intelligence is transforming industries and healthcare is no exception. Our work has always been focused on bringing the absolute best possible care to those who need it most and our next-generation AI will revolutionize the healthcare experience, bringing a level of care and accessibility previously thought impossible,” added Prashant Samant, co-founder and CEO of Akido. “These institutions are two of the country’s most influential organizations dedicated to exploring new paths in healthcare. I couldn’t think of better partners to help us shape the interaction between our breakthrough technology and patients and providers, and ensure we set an industry-wide ethical standard for AI use in healthcare.” For more information on Akido and its breakthrough AI technology, visit www.akidolabs.com. About Akido: Akido is pioneering a reimagined healthcare system with AI at its core; one that bridges artificial intelligence and empathy to bring exceptional healthcare to everyone. Its breakthrough artificial intelligence unlocks the ability to transform the clinical experience, empowering providers and patients through an entirely new healthcare model. Founded in 2015, Akido was created out of the University of Southern California’s Digital Health Lab with the idea that empowering government, healthcare, and nonprofit services with population-based data could help usher in a new era of preventive public health. Known for developing award-winning data and technology solutions, today Akido leverages its market-leading AI to power its bicoastal Akido Care medical network, which includes more than 240 doctors, 90 clinics across both coasts and a patient base of nearly half a million. For more information, please visit www.akidolabs.com. Media Contact:Sharna DadukHead of Communications, Akido LabsSharna.daduk@akidolabs.com

-Prosthetic Cranial Implant Receives Patent, Elevates Neurosurgical Precision and Patient Outcomes- BALTIMORE, Md., Aug. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Longeviti Neuro Solutions, a neurotechnology company with a focus on innovative solutions for complex brain surgeries, proudly announces the issuance of a groundbreaking patent for its novel prosthetic translucent, cranial implant. The ClearFit® implant integrates brain-computer interface (BCI), brain mapping, and neurosonography (brain ultrasound). This product sets a new standard in neurosurgical procedures, marking the first time a single implant has been patented to cover three critical areas. ClearFit’s patented technology was recently on the cover of Science Translational Medicine demonstrating promising research around this implant and neurosonography.* Longeviti received patent issue notification from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for US Patent No. 12,004,954 B2 entitled “Method for performing single-stage cranioplasty reconstruction with a clear custom craniofacial implant.” It was approved in June 2024. “This technology and exclusive IP surrounding the ClearFit prosthetic implant family, represents a significant advancement in the field of neurosurgery. It allows Longeviti to openly collaborate with others in the field across the globe,” said Jesse Christopher, CEO, Longeviti Neuro Solutions. “Together, Longeviti and its partners will advance neurosonography and neurosurgical patient care to significantly reduce the cost and time it takes to monitor brains anywhere in the world, real-time.” The implant's integration of BCI technology allows for direct communication between the brain and external devices, offering control and interaction for patients. Coupled with advanced brain mapping capabilities, the implant provides surgeons with real-time, detailed anatomical images, allowing for new real-time tools to enhance precision during surgical procedures. In addition, the incorporation of neurosonography within the cranial implant allows for continuous, non-invasive monitoring of brain activity and conditions, vastly improving postoperative care and monitoring. “Longeviti not only enhances surgical accuracy but also significantly improves the overall quality of patient care. This specific cranial implant allocates unprecedented access into the brain allowing physicians to see into the brain real-time, reduce patient radiation exposure, allow point of access care so patients do not need to be transported or moved, and is reimbursable,” said David Langer MD, Chief Medical Officer, Longeviti Neuro Solutions. “Our dedication to clinical excellence and improved patient outcomes underscores the company's commitment to innovation.” Clinical research has demonstrated the implant’s effectiveness in improving surgical precision and patient recovery. Surgeons using the implant have reported enhanced accuracy in targeting brain regions, reduced surgical times, and better patient recovery outcomes. Most recently, Science Translational Medicine, the leading weekly online journal publishing medical research, highlighted a study conducted by researchers from University of Southern California and Caltech with a cover story. The team implanted Longeviti’s patented ClearFit prosthetic translucent implant in a human patient’s skull to capture high-resolution brain imaging using non-invasive functional ultrasound imaging (fUSI). They successfully recorded and decoded brain activity in an adult who suffered a traumatic brain injury, suggesting applications in brain-computer interface (BCI) and clinical monitoring. “In our recent study, we were able to measure functional brain signals transcranially from an awake, behaving, adult human using fUSI for the first time,” shared Dr. Charles Liu, Professor of Clinical Neurological Surgery and Neurology, Keck Medicine of USC and Director, USC Neurorestoration Center.** “This was made possible through the transparent and sonolucent implant with a specially designed acoustic ‘window to the brain.’ Importantly, this first-in-human demonstration was achieved using a commercially available implant.” The release of ICD-10-PCS procedural codes by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) makes the cost of Longeviti’s ClearFit® implants fully reimbursable for hospitals in 48 states. The ICD-10-PCS code XNR80D9, which stands for "Replacement of Skull with Ultrasound Penetrable Synthetic Substitute, Open Approach, New Technology Group 9," is exclusively named and is only associated with the Longeviti ClearFit® device. This device allows for ultrasound penetration and is used in cranioplasty procedures to replace part of the skull with a synthetic substitute. The specific coding for this procedure reflects the incorporation of this new technology in surgical practices. “This new ICD-10 PCS code allows hospital systems and patients to benefit from bringing imaging to the bedside, rather than bringing beds to imaging, without absorbing new technology expenses. Immediate, real-time bedside imaging could save valuable time and significant costs if/when used where appropriate,” said Aimee C. DeGaetano, PhD (ABD) MPH RD, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Department of Health Science and Medicine. For more information on the novel prosthetic cranial implant and to access detailed clinical study results including Science Translational Medicine, Neurosurgery, and Science Direct, visit https://longeviti.com. “We’re pleased to see the success of portfolio companies like Longeviti,” said Troy LeMaile-Stovall, TEDCO CEO. “Over the years, they’ve seen significant growth through many of our funds and programs, and they’re a great example of the types of companies we look for to help strengthen Maryland’s economy.” About Longeviti Neuro Solutions (https://longeviti.com) Longeviti Neuro Solutions is a leading innovator in functional neurotechnology, dedicated to developing advanced solutions that improve the lives of patients with neurological conditions during and after surgery, returning them to anatomical normalcy. The Baltimore-based company has full manufacturing, packaging, designing, and sterilizing capabilities in-house with multiple FDA clearances, successful FDA audits, and ISO 13485 Certifications. Longeviti has 17 patents to date. Longeviti’s mission is to develop innovative solutions for complex brain surgery. Its products are currently approved for use in over 100 hospitals across the globe. To date Longeviti neurosurgical implants have helped over 4,000 patients. In July 2024, Longeviti announced a 10,000 square foot Class A office lease at Rye Street Market within the Baltimore Peninsula. *Neurosonography - an exploding field of neuroscience utilizing ultrasound and its dynamic functional capabilities, also which historically could not penetrate the skull. **Dr. Liu does not have any conflicts of interest disclosed. He does not receive compensation for any of the work related to Longeviti and its implants. Nicole@polishednichols.comNatalie@polishednichols.com

TUESDAY, July 9, 2024 -- New research offers what could become a surprising way to diagnose whether a child has autism: Simply check the makeup of their gut microbiome. In a study published July 8 in the journal Nature Microbiology , scientists analyzed more than 1,600 stool samples from children ages 1 to 13 and found several distinct biological “markers” in the samples of children with autism. The finding means that unique traces of gut bacteria, fungi, viruses and more could one day become a diagnostic tool, lead study author Qi Su , a researcher at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, told the New York Times. Such a tool could help professionals diagnose autism sooner, quickly getting children treatments that are more effective at younger ages, he added. The idea was tantalizing to some experts. “Too much is left to questionnaires,” Sarkis Mazmanian , a microbiome researcher at the California Institute of Technology, told the Times . “If we can get to something we can measure -- whatever it is -- that’s a huge improvement.” For decades, researchers have searched for a reliable indicator of autism, with limited success. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two diagnostic tests based on eye-tracking software, the Times reported. Some researchers have more recently started investigating whether human stool, which offers a window into the trillions of fungi, bacteria and viruses living in the intestines, might offer a new way to diagnose the disorder. Still, the concept that the gut microbiome might play a role in the development of autism remains controversial among researchers, Gaspar Taroncher-Oldenburg , a microbiologist who published a landmark study on the subject last year, told the Times. He called the most recent study an “important milestone” in the broader acceptance of this line of research. “There is a changing of the winds,” he said. “People are now accepting that the microbiome is not just part of this, but it might be a fundamental piece of the puzzle .” In the new study, researchers identified major biological differences between the stool of children with autism and other samples. Contrary to past research, the investigators decided to look at other microorganisms in the gut besides bacteria, including fungi, archaea and viruses, as well as related metabolic processes. What did they find? The scientists identified 31 biological signatures that distinguished the groups. Then, in a new group of stool samples, they checked whether those markers could correctly identify which stool samples were from someone with autism. Su said the model made the correct predictions nearly all of the time. But Mazmanian, who was not involved in the new paper, said he wanted to see studies clarifying exactly how the microbiome was related to autism and whether it played a significant role in causing the disorder. Some researchers also argue that this relationship goes the other way: Children with autism are more likely to be “fussy eaters,” changing the makeup of their microbiome, the Times reported. Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.