23 June 2008
NWDA grant to innovate treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
England’s Northwest could soon be home to a pioneering new
technology to assist with the automated analysis of Rheumatoid
Arthritis (RA), measuring the efficiency of drug treatments and
enhancing the effects for patients globally.
Optasia Medical Ltd, based in Cheadle has been awarded a grant
worth £217,621 for research and development by the Northwest
Regional Development Agency (NWDA) in order to develop the
“HandAnalyzer.”
This technologically challenging project will enable Optasia to
develop software which will automate the analysis of RA x-rays,
which are currently examined by eye – an expensive and time
consuming process. It will work by comparing an x-ray of a normal
hand to one being treated for RA.
The company currently employs 12 people and will grow by a
further 3 in order to carry out this exciting and innovative
research. The 18-month project has the potential to generate at
least £1.3 million in 2 years, with benefits to the patient
population.
Optasia Medical's scientists and engineers have considerable
experience in research and innovation in the field of medical
imaging, using computer assisted solutions to help physicians make
better decisions for taking care of their patients.
Mark Hughes, Executive Director of Enterprise and Skills, NWDA
said:
“The product currently being produced by Optasia has the
potential to become a global advancement in terms of patient
treatment.
“The NWDA encourages companies to understand and get involved
with innovation in its widest sense, supporting businesses and
individual’s carry out research and development that will lead to
technologically innovative products and processes and increasing
regional economic performance.”
Dr Alan Brett, Chief Technical Officer, Optasia Medical Ltd
said:
“This grant will enable Optasia Medical to lead the way on
pioneering technology that will ultimately benefit patients not
only in the region, but nationally. The USA is a key market for the
product where there are significant advantages to pharmaceutical
companies able to automate the efficiency process for drug
trials.”
For further information on NWDA Business Funding go to www.nwda.co.uk
For further information on Optasia Medial Ltd visit www.optasiamedical.com
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Notes to editors:
For further information please contact Shelley Tattersall, Press
Officer on 01925 400256 or mobile 07500 128482 or shelley.tattersall@nwda.co.uk
For further information and to view previous press releases
visit us at www.nwda.co.uk
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the
economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is
responsible for:
• Supporting business growth and encouraging
investment
• Matching skills provision to employer needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting the region through effective transport and
communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region’s outstanding quality of life
Optasia Medical builds medical imaging-based Computer Assisted
Detection (CAD) solutions to help physicians make better decisions
for the effective management of patients suffering from
musculoskeletal diseases. With Optasia Medical’s tools are also
used in clinical trials by the world’s leading pharmaceutical
companies and clinical trial imaging service providers. www.optasiamedical.com