OnX Liver Assessment Solution

2022: Device Release

On August 23, 2022, the Canadian company Oncoustics announced the launch of the OnX Liver Assessment Solution ultrasonic diagnostic system, which uses artificial intelligence to detect liver diseases. In the operation of the device, a smartphone can be used to display the image.

Identifying liver diseases is a complex task, requiring the use of high-tech imaging systems, the involvement of specialists and invasive biopsy. These problems and the associated costs may limit access for patients to such testing for those with serious signs of liver disease. There is a clear need for a non-invasive, inexpensive and relatively simple method for assessing a patient's liver for signs of disease. The latest technology is aimed at achieving this goal.

A portable device for ultrasound of the liver has been released with the display of a smartphone

The OnX system is designed to perform a complete liver examination by any doctor, while the test itself takes no more than five minutes. At the heart of the test is an inexpensive ultrasound system used in points of care, and artificial intelligence in the product uses both ultrasound images and raw data to infer the state of liver disease. The company describes the procedure as a virtual biopsy.

Oncoustics applies artificial intelligence to unprocessed ultrasound signals from easily accessible portable ultrasound devices to quickly distinguish healthy tissue from diseased tissue. These raw signals contain a large amount of information, the company said, and this approach identifies new biomarkers that can be aligned with existing classification standards and systems. By extracting information from ultrasonic signals, the apparatus can give a quantitative and comparative assessment. The OnX Liver Assessment Solution can be used to detect fatty liver disease (steatosis) and fibrosis/cirrhosis. Other liver indicators that are in development include NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) liver inflammation and liver cancer.

{{quote 'The OnX system has been tested against the existing clinical standard for screening for liver fibrosis with an approach called "vibro-controlled transient elastography." These systems cost up to $320 thousand for purchase and $20 thousand per year for maintenance. They require a trained operator, and up to 10 separate measurements may be required to obtain accurate readings. The results require evaluation and interpretation by a qualified physician. By contrast, OnX will be inexpensive, pocketable, easy to use and read by any clinician, says Beth Rogozinski, CEO of Oncoustics. }} The company is working on an initial application in and FDA expects the product to be authorized and available by mid-2023.^[1]

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