Viz.ai, Bristol Myers Squibb sign deal for AI algorithm and Viz HCM software

Viz.ai, an artificial intelligence (AI) powered health technology company, has signed a multi-year agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) to provide the latter with an AI algorithm and provider workflow software called Viz HCM.

The AI algorithm and the Viz HCM software are intended to be used by Bristol Myers Squibb for identifying and triaging patients who could need further assessment for the detection of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Viz.ai has filed a de novo request to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the AI algorithm as a Software-as-a-Medical-Device (SaMD). The filing has been accepted by the American regulator for review.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy causes increased thickness of the heart muscle that could make it more difficult for the heart in pumping blood. It’s associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and mitral valve diseases.

Suhas Krishna — Bristol Myers Squibb Vice President and Head of Digital Health Product Management said: “At BMS, we believe that the use of AI to detect key, subtle characteristics in bio signals to aid physicians in the screening, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of diseases will have a critical and positive impact on patients’ lives.

“We are excited to continue building momentum in our support of Viz.ai’s research and development program. The speed and quality in which this novel AI algorithm & workflow sequencing product was designed, verified, validated, and submitted by Viz.ai for agency review is testament to the ability to drive rapid and meaningful innovation in healthcare.”

Viz.ai, Bristol Myers Squibb sign deal for AI algorithm and Viz HCM software. Photo courtesy of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

Viz HCM is designed to automatically examine regular electrocardiograms (ECGs) that are collected across an entire health system to spot probable cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and alert the appropriate cardiologists. The physician will then be able to review the ECG in a timely fashion and take appropriate clinical action, which could include suggesting follow-up diagnostic tests alongside the usual treatment.

To be integrated into the Viz.ai Cardio Suite for U.S. hospitals, the Viz HCM software is expected to improve the coordination of cardiac care through the use of a mobile-based electrocardiogram monitor that is equipped with real-time AI-powered alerts and tools for communication.

Dr. Chris Mansi — Viz.ai. CEO said: “Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be a devastating disease. The agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb gives us the opportunity to enable underdiagnosed and underserved HCM patients to get the care they need from appropriate providers at the right time.

“Incorporating the new HCM module into the Viz Cardio Suite is expected to enhance detection, expedite care, and empower clinicians and patients.”

Viz.ai’s Viz.ai Intelligent Care Coordination Platform that includes Viz.ai Cardio Suite, is claimed to be used by around 1,300 hospitals in the US.

Viz.ai said that it has put Viz HCM at various hospitals as well as selected HCA Healthcare facilities, under research agreements that will further test the effectiveness of the software in clinical settings.

The AI healthtech company is planning to introduce Viz HCM broadly upon FDA approval.