Optiscan eyes the veterinary market for cancer detection

Confocal microscopy manufacturer Optiscan Imaging is looking to expand into the veterinary market with its microscopy imaging system with an initial focus on cancer detection in companion animals.

The company has signed MOU with the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine to enable the development of clinical data for Optiscan’s digital confocal laser endomicroscopic imaging system in veterinary medicine.

Optiscan has been widening potential markets for its microscopy products which allow real time in vivo imaging and remote diagnosis via telepathology.

The planned research and testing will provide data from clinical studies required for U.S. FDA clearance of Optiscan’s imaging platform for use in veterinary medicine.

In the United States alone over 12 million companion animals – cats and dogs – are diagnosed with cancer each year.

Breast and oral cancers are two of the most common cancer types in both cats and dogs accounting for between 27-53 percent of cancers.

Optiscan CEO and Managing Director Dr Camile Farah said the MOU would explore how Optiscan’s real-time, high resolution imaging technology can enhance veterinary diagnostics, treatment planning and surgical care, and ultimately improve health outcomes for animals.

Dr Farah said: “Combining the respective strengths of Optiscan and the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine opens the way for the unlocking of new possibilities in the diagnosis and treatment of critical conditions of concern to veterinary medicine.

“Success here could see the creation of new standards in animal care that would replace traditional pathology methods for the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions with new technologies such as ours at Optiscan, underpinned by high-definition in vivo imaging in real-time that can provide veterinarians with previously unavailable insights.”

Further reading:
Optiscan completes beta phase telepathology development

Picture: Optiscan Imaging