TORONTO – Isis Innovation, the technology transfer arm at the University of Oxford in the UK, and the Centre for Imaging Technology Commercialization (CIMTEC), based in Toronto and London, Ont., have announced a partnership to jointly develop and test a new, enhanced ultrasound imaging technology.

The principal inventor of the Oxford Electromagnetic Acoustic (OxEMA) technology, Professor David Edwards (pictured), said, “Our technology uses a combination of electromagnetic and acoustic waves in order to create advanced medical images at a cost comparable to ultrasound. The benefits of this are much greater clarity of image and unparalleled tissue-type characterization when compared to ultrasound.”

“OxEMA will provide clinicians with MRI-like information using an ultrasound instrument. This will allow quick, accessible and cost-effective diagnosis, particularly for patients in remote areas without easy access to MRI services.”

The OxEMA system can radically improve identification of tumours and other anomalous tissue, which is not currently possible with standard ultrasound technology. It has the potential to enable earlier diagnosis and more accurate treatment of conditions such as prostate and liver cancer.

Dr. Masoom Haider, chief of the department of medical imaging at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, said, “This technology is uniquely positioned to improve prostate management for both imaging and therapy.”

Isis Innovation has been leading the commercialization of the OxEMA system, and has engaged with CIMTEC to develop the technology further through a new startup, Enhanced Medical.

Tom Hockaday, Managing Director of Isis Innovation, said, “We are pleased to have entered into a unique relationship with CIMTEC, who are extremely well placed to advance the Oxford technology.”

Amol Karnick, CEO of Enhanced Medical said, “Discussions with physicians about our technology and its potential have confirmed that improving biopsy targeting using ultrasound is a significant clinical need. OxEMA is well-positioned to solve this clinical problem, and will be able to improve outcomes for patients and hospitals using it. I am confident that the partnership with CIMTEC will accelerate our development and bring OxEMA to market earlier.”

“CIMTEC’s partnership with Isis Innovation is a testament to Canada’s strength as an emerging magnet for international medical imaging technology commercialization”, said Bart Sullivan, CEO of CIMTEC. “We are excited to be able to help bring this novel technology to the marketplace by applying our best-in-class technical expertise in medical imaging.” Isis Innovation has filed patents covering OxEMA’s technology with patents granted to date in China and Japan.

About Isis Innovation

Isis Innovation is the research and technology commercialization company of the University of Oxford. We provide access to technology from Oxford researchers through intellectual property licensing, spin-out company formation and material sales, and to academic expertise through Oxford University Consulting. Isis is the highest university patent filer in the UK and is ranked 1st in the UK for university spin-outs, having created more than 100 new companies in 25 years. In the last financial year we completed 395 licenses and consulting agreements with clients in 21 countries. The Isis Enterprise innovation management consultancy works with university, government and industrial clients from offices around the world. For updates on innovations from Oxford, follow Isis on LinkedIn and Twitter or subscribe at www.isis-innovation.com.

Centre for Imaging Technology Commercialization (CIMTEC)

CIMTEC provides services to develop world-leading medical imaging technology. CIMTEC’s mission is to enable and accelerate commercialization of medical imaging innovations ensuring that Canada’s investment in imaging technology translates into economic growth and job creation. CIMTEC provides researchers and small to medium-sized companies with critical expertise, technical capabilities and infrastructure to allow them to grow and create Canadian high-tech jobs and economic growth.