PALO ALTO, Calif., Aug. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Vista AI, a pioneer in AI-assisted MRI solutions, and HekaBio K.K., a Japan-based healthcare investment, development and commercialization platform, have signed a strategic partnership agreement whereby HekaBio will market Vista AI’s innovative automation software in Japan.
Cardiac MRI (CMR) is the gold standard for cardiac diagnosis, and according to the Oct 2021 guidelines from the American Heart Association (1), a Tier 1 imaging modality for the evaluation of stable angina. Currently, Japan boasts world’s highest MRI equipment per capita capable of performing cardiac MRI examinations. (2) However, complex CMR examinations, which are highly tailored to each individual patient, often require specialized technologists and substantial time investment. This has resulted in a relatively low adoption rate of this highly informative, non-invasive procedure.
The FDA-cleared Vista AI Scan software elevates the standard of care for cardiac imaging, making MRI scanning simple, time-efficient, highly consistent, and more comfortable for patients.
Vista AI Scan takes direct control of the existing MRI machine and performs a scan with only one mouse click. Using AI to automate localization, dynamic stress imaging, LV function and myocardial delayed enhancement, this solution intelligently adapts to each patient’s unique requirements ensuring high quality diagnostic imaging while significantly reducing the user interactions and time required for the procedure. As a result, hospitals and medical facilities utilizing Vista AI Scan can now offer CMR examinations with greater efficiency, creating a simpler, streamlined workflow and improving image consistency to allow the MR technologist to complete the cardiac scan in a regular mixed-use MR time slot.
Under the agreement with Vista AI, HekaBio has made an investment in the company and has committed to secure product registration through the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). HekaBio will seek a distribution partnership for follow-on commercialization to maximize the market opportunity for Vista AI Scan.
Vista AI Chief Architect and Co-Founder Juan Santos commented, “We are excited to partner with HekaBio to bring our groundbreaking cardiac MRI technology to Japan. With the highest number of MRI machines per capita in the world, Japan has an enormous potential to increase the access to cardiac MRI exams. HekaBio’s deep understanding of the Japanese market makes them the ideal partner for us to achieve our goal of making cardiac MRI more accessible for patients in Japan.”
HekaBio CEO Robert E. Claar commented, “We’re thrilled to partner with Vista AI to introduce Vista AI Scan to Japan. With CMR having low current penetration of cardiac examinations, this innovation opens a large opportunity. One Click™ MRI holds immense potential to enhance diagnosis and patient outcomes, aligning perfectly with our Cardiology focus. This collaboration reflects Japan’s drive for AI-powered solutions, championing efficiency and healthcare advancement.”
(1) Writing Committee Members, & ACC/AHA Joint Committee Members (2022). 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure. Journal of cardiac failure, 28(5), e1–e167.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cardfail.2022.02.010
(2) OECD Data 2022Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) units https://data.oecd.org/healtheqt/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri-units.htm
Vista AI is a pioneer in AI-powered MRI solutions dedicated to advancing imaging technology to meet the evolving demands of modern healthcare. Its intelligent software automates and simplifies complex imaging workflows, enabling faster, more consistent, high-quality scans while ensuring greater access to the most advanced diagnostic care. With a mission to make MRI more accessible and accurate for everyone, Vista AI is setting new standards in quality and efficiency, empowering healthcare systems to improve care for more patients. For more information, visit vista.ai.
HekaBio is a Japan-based healthcare investment, development and commercialization platform advancing a synergistic portfolio of breakthrough diagnostic and therapeutic solutions in Cardiology, Neurology, Oncology and Ophthalmology.
HekaBio offers global healthcare technology innovators value-enhancing access to Japan, the world’s third largest market and strategic gateway to the rest of Asia.