GE HealthCare (Nasdaq: GEHC) today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire icometrix, a company focused on providing AI-powered brain imaging analysis for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease to meet the growing demand for MRI in personalized treatment planning.
To complement its MR-guided AI-assisted scanning expertise with analysis and reporting in neurological disease assessment, GE HealthCare expects to integrate the icometrix icobrain platform with its MRI systems for seamless workflow. icobrain aria includes the first FDA-cleared computer aided detection and diagnosis solution for detecting and quantifying known side effects of amyloid targeting therapies known as Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA).
According to Alzheimer’s Association, studies predict that the number of adults living with Alzheimer’s disease will double by 20501. With approvals of new anti-amyloid therapies continuing to increase globally to treat the disease, the demand for more frequent neurological MRI exams also continues to grow. MRI technology is utilized to assess treatment eligibility and monitor potential side effects (brain swelling and microbleeds) of amyloid targeting therapies.
“This effort marks a pivotal step in our journey to advance precision care in neurology,” said Roland Rott, President and CEO, Imaging at GE HealthCare. “By integrating icometrix’s AI-powered insights with our advanced imaging technologies, we aim to empower care teams with the clarity and confidence needed to navigate complex neurological conditions.”
The planned acquisition of icometrix aligns with GE HealthCare’s precision care strategy and is expected to strengthen the company’s clinical decision support applications for timely diagnosis and monitoring throughout the neuro treatment pathways by offering enhanced patient access to the technology. The company’s current neuro solutions portfolio, including MR and PET scanners, pharmaceutical diagnostics and MIMneuro Software digital solutions that support quantification for amyloid imaging, enables it to offer holistic neuro solutions for its customers.
“Along with our commitment to pushing the barriers of neuroscience research with our innovative MRI technology, we’re dedicated to strengthening our neurology portfolio and our MR imaging capabilities to provide advanced solutions to clinicians providing more precise care for patients both now and in the future,” said Kelly Londy, President & CEO, MR, GE HealthCare. “Our anticipated acquisition of icometrix and its icobrain solutions supports our goal to help clinicians deliver high-quality, timely care to meet this increased demand in MR technology.”
GE HealthCare intends to focus on expanding patient access to the icobrain aria solution on all vendor MRI systems through both commercial distribution and clinical integration. The icobrain aria solution identifies both forms of ARIA: ARIA-E and ARIA-H from MR scans and performs longitudinal analysis of ARIA occurrence over time. It provides radiologists with tools for monitoring Alzheimer’s patients receiving anti-amyloid therapies over the course of treatment, supporting both patient care and operational efficiency. Integrating this solution with GE HealthCare’s current MR systems and technologies, such as its deep learning offerings AIR x ™ Brain, AIR Recon DL and SONIC DL 3D, is expected to enable a seamless, optimized workflow, allowing clinicians to manage the increased volume of scans without compromising the quality of care.
The icometrix suite of solutions includes tools that assist radiologists and neurologists with comparing and quantifying brain MR scans over time for disorders ranging from multiple sclerosis, dementia, epilepsy, stroke and traumatic brain injury, among others. This product suite also features a strong pipeline of clinical decision support applications in development to improve neurological care in the future.
“Building on our existing relationship, we are excited by the prospect of joining GE HealthCare and leveraging icometrix’ innovation talents and customer relationships to continue to improve the diagnostic and treatment journey for both neurological clinicians and their patients,” said Wim Van Hecke, icometrix CEO. “Together, we aim to leverage our complementary technology to address the complexities of managing neurological care.”
Founded in 2011, and based in Leuven, Belgium, icometrix provides AI-powered brain imaging analysis through its icobrain platform, offering clinicians valuable insights into neurological disorders. icobrain extracts key data from brain MRI scans, facilitating more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans across hospitals globally. Furthermore, icometrix collaborates with pharmaceutical companies to support strategic drug development, clinical trials, real-world evidence, and market access needs. For more information, visit icometrix.com.
The consummation of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed publicly. GE HealthCare intends to fund this transaction with cash on hand.
