April 15, 2024 - Pensievision, Inc., an imaging technology startup, was awarded a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Phase II grant for the project titled: “A Novel, Low-Cost, Handheld, 3D Imaging System for Improved Screening of Cervical Neoplasia in Resource Limited Settings.”
The proposal, submitted by a team led by Dr. Joseph Carson, received high acclaims from the review board, stating that the device has “an extremely innovative approach that has a potential to revolutionize this field” and that “this project is of high significance with a huge potential to positively impact healthcare.”
The 2-year grant is funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and will be used to complete research & development and conduct clinical testing of the device in 3 countries, including the US (at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine), Kenya (at the Aga Khan University), and Malawi (at the University of Science and Technology). Pensievision will also partner with the Virginia Tech Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics (BEAM) for coordinating global health activities and advancing technology components.
This Phase II grant comes after Pensievision successfully obtained in Phase I, in-vivo, anonymous, 3D images of the cervix during clinical tests performed at UC San Diego Health by Dr. Jessica Kingston, an Obstetrician/Gynecologist and Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with an estimated 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths in 2020. About 90% of mortalities occurred in low- and middle-income countries where access to screening is limited.
“We spent years in research and development, so we are extremely excited to start clinical tests with patients in 3 countries,” said Dr. Joe Carson, the principal investigator on this grant and Pensievision’s Chief Technology Officer. Tal Almog, President of Pensievision, added: “Considering that less than 20% of NIH grant applications get funded, we are honored to receive our fourth grant supported by the federal government, which attests to the potential for Pensievision to enhance cancer screening and diagnostic techniques that could save lives.”
About Pensievision
Pensievision was founded by Dr. Joe Carson, Dr. YT Liu, Tal Almog, and Ben Carson, with the help of world-class experts in the fields of imaging, medicine, and business.
In 2022 the company completed the development of CervImage™, the world’s first handheld colposcope capable of producing real-time, 3D high-resolution images of the cervix, to assist in early-stage screening and analysis of cervical cancer.
Pensievision’s patented 3D optical imaging technology is unique in its approach of using astronomy imaging techniques, coupled with artificial intelligence, for imaging of lesions inside the body. The technology was developed leveraging Dr. Carson’s extensive experience in extraterrestrial imaging, including his discovery of a ‘super-Jupiter’, and of the coldest imaged companion of a sun-like star (for which he was recognized as ‘TIME magazine top 10 science discoveries of 2009’).
The company is currently working to develop additional medical applications for its 3D imaging technology, including imaging of skin lesions, and lesions in the esophagus and pharynx.
Recently, Pensievision has begun developing non-medical applications for industrial inspections, nondestructive testing, and aerospace. A prototype imaging device designed for microsatellites, to monitor biological payloads in space, is currently undergoing simulated space environment testing and is planned to be launched into space within the next couple of years.
Media Contact
Company Name: Pensievision
Contact Person: Tal Almog
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: www.pensievision.com
