NEW YORK – Deepcell said Tuesday that it has entered a collaboration with Jianyu Rao, vice chair of the department of pathology and chief of cytopathology at the University of California, Los Angeles, aimed at advancing research using the firm's novel cytology platform.
Rao and colleagues are using Deepcell’s AI-powered platform to identify and sort cancer cells from clinical cytology samples of body fluids. The technology allows cells to be isolated based on morphological features rather than labeling or predefined biomarkers.
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Deepcell said the collaboration will allow it to further expand the cell morphology atlas that powers its ability to differentiate cells. It will also help the firm further demonstrate the performance of the platform.
"Cytologic analysis on a self-learning AI platform for cancer research could lead to a better understanding of the biology of malignant cells and contribute to future diagnosis and improved patient outcomes," Rao said in a statement. "Before Deepcell, cell morphology was limited by human interpretation and a lack of adequate tools for capturing and studying abnormal cells. Through the combination of AI, microfluidics, and single-cell analysis, the Deepcell platform provides a new way of understanding these cells."
According to Deepcell, the collaboration is the first of many it plans to announce under a larger academic partnership program.