Neurophet, VHIR Launch MS MRI Validation Study for AQUA MS

Key Takeaways

• Neurophet and VHIR announced a joint research collaboration focused on validating Neurophet AQUA MS for MRI-based multiple sclerosis lesion detection.
• VHIR will provide de-identified MRI scans and expert lesion labels, and the work will target Central Vein Sign and Paramagnetic Rim Lesions.
• The release notes October 2024 FDA 510(k) clearance for Neurophet AQUA MS and describes the collaboration as intended to strengthen clinical reliability.

Neurophet announced a joint research collaboration with VHIR to develop and validate AI algorithms for MRI-based multiple sclerosis lesion detection using data from more than 1,000 patients. The work centers on Neurophet AQUA MS, the company's multiple sclerosis imaging module, and on lesion-detection methods in brain MRI. Neurophet said the collaboration will pair its software with clinical imaging data and expert lesion annotations from the Spanish research institute.

VHIR, or Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, is the research institute of Vall d'Hebron University Hospital in Spain. Neurophet described Neurophet AQUA MS as a quantitative imaging software module integrated into Neurophet AQUA, its broader brain imaging analysis solution. Within the collaboration, the partners plan to develop algorithms that identify multiple sclerosis lesions on magnetic resonance imaging examinations. They also plan to validate those algorithms in a research setting built around institutionally sourced imaging data and expert lesion labels.

Under the collaboration, VHIR will supply de-identified brain MRI datasets from clinically diagnosed multiple sclerosis patients. The institute will also provide expert-annotated ground-truth lesion labels that Neurophet said will support algorithm development and validation. The named biomarker targets are Central Vein Sign and Paramagnetic Rim Lesions, both highlighted in the release as key imaging biomarkers emphasized in the latest diagnostic criteria. The release describes the underlying material as a large-scale dataset of over 1,000 patients assembled for this validation work.

Neurophet AQUA MS previously received FDA 510(k) clearance in October 2024, according to the company announcement. The release also says the collaboration is intended to accelerate development of new technologies for integration into Neurophet AQUA MS. Neurophet said the collaboration is expected to strengthen the clinical reliability of its AI technology through VHIR's clinical data and expertise.