Roche and Bristol Myers Squibb will collaborate to advance two assays for use in clinical trials with the development and deployment of two new digital pathology algorithms.
In the first project, Roche Digital Pathology is creating an artificial intelligence (AI)-based image analysis algorithm to aid pathologists in interpreting the on-market Ventana programmed death-ligand 1 (SP142) assay. Bristol Myers Squibb will use this algorithm to generate biomarker data from clinical trial samples.
In the second project, Roche will leverage its recently announced open environment collaboration with PathAI to integrate a PathAI-developed algorithm for cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8) biomarker analysis into the Navify Digital Pathology workflow software. The AI-powered algorithm will be used by Bristol Myers Squibb to analyze clinical trial samples that have been stained with Roche's CD8 assay and generate quantitative spatial biomarker data.
Pathology imaging tools based on artificial intelligence can help to support clinical trials in the investigation of targeted therapy options, Roche said in a news release.
"We believe digital methods will bring significant improvements in standardization and interpretation of tissue-based assays and will enable broader access to tissue based assays," said Jill German, head of Roche Diagnostics Pathology Customer Area.
Ultimately, data from both projects will be used to aid in cancer diagnosis and to advance personalized healthcare treatment options, with the aim of improving outcomes for patients, she added.