Owkin expands reach of AI diagnostic for colorectal cancer via integration with Sectra
The integration of Owkin’s MSIntuit® CRC1 diagnostic into Sectra’s digital pathology solution aims to streamline MSI screening and contribute to optimizing access to immunotherapies for colorectal cancer patients.
Owkin, a techbio company that uses artificial intelligence to discover and develop new and better drugs and diagnostics at scale, today announced an integration with international medical imaging IT and cybersecurity company Sectra (STO: SECT B) to integrate Owkin’s MSIntuit® CRC AI diagnostic into Sectra’s digital pathology solution. MSIntuit® CRC is the first CE-marked AI diagnostic for microsatellite instability (MSI) testing for colorectal cancer using digital H&E slides. It serves as a pre-screening tool for colorectal cancer patients that aims to streamline MSI testing, saving critical pathology resources by significantly reducing the proportion of patients that need to be fully screened by traditional methods.
The announced integration makes it possible for Sectra users all around the world to integrate and use MSIntuit® CRC in a way that it becomes part of the pathologists' existing digital pathology workflow. The utility of MSIntuit® for optimizing colorectal cancer care and laboratory workflows was recently validated in a major study published in Nature Communications,2 which demonstrated its ability to detect MSI status with more than 96% sensitivity and to rule out nearly half of patients for additional testing.
Meriem Sefta, Chief Diagnostics Officer said:
We are thrilled that Owkin's AI diagnostic portfolio is now able to benefit from the integration with Sectra, a global leader for image management. We share with Sectra a commitment to vendor neutrality, to enable the broadest possible access to and maximum patient impact from innovative and best-in-class digital pathology solutions. This approach means that many more pathologists and patients can benefit from AI-powered, streamlined laboratory processes and testing and focus on improving patient access to targeted precision therapies.
Meeting the challenge of colorectal cancer and MSI screening
With almost two million new cases and one million deaths worldwide in 2020, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer globally and second highest cause of cancer mortality.3
Microsatellite Instability (MSI) is a key genomic biomarker in colorectal cancer and represents ~15% of the overall CRC population.4 Recent clinical trials have shown that MSI phenotype has both prognostic and therapeutic importance, especially with the recent approval of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies.5 Those patients whose tumors show MSI, are considered likely to respond to ICI therapy and recommended for it. Conversely, ICI is not routinely recommended for those with tumors that are microsatellite stable (MSS). As a result, MSI testing is now recommended by consensus guidelines across the globe as a guide to best therapy.6,7,8,9
Owkin’s AI-powered diagnostics
Owkin, powered by its extensive international academic research network, and deep experience in multimodal AI and image analysis, addresses clinically challenging and unmet medical needs with user-friendly solutions for digital pathology as part of its full-stack techbio strategy. In addition to MSIntuit® CRC, Owkin offers RlapsRisk® BC, a risk assessment tool for recurrence in early breast cancer. Owkin is also developing several other oncology based diagnostics to enable more accessible and streamlined diagnosis for precision therapies across the globe.
About Sectra
Sectra develops and sells imaging IT solutions. It provides healthcare providers worldwide with enterprise imaging solutions comprising PACS for imaging-intense departments (radiology, pathology, cardiology, orthopaedics, ophthalmology), VNA to store all types of medical images and information, as well solutions for sharing and collaborating around medical imaging.
About Sectra Amplifier Marketplace
The Sectra Amplifier Marketplace aims to accelerate the adoption of AI into clinical practice. The AI applications available in Sectra Amplifier Marketplace can be integrated with Sectra’s enterprise imaging solution.
1 Version >= 1.3 MSIntuit® CRC is CE-IVD marked for diagnostic use in the EU, and registered for use by the MHRA in the UK. In all other countries, including the United States, the use of the product is limited to research, not for use in diagnostic procedures. MSIntuit CRC is manufactured by Owkin France. It is intended for healthcare professionals for diagnostic use only where the products are authorized. For detailed information on proper use and precautions, please read carefully the instructions for use provided with the product.
2 Saillard, C., Dubois, R., Tchita, O. et al. Validation of MSIntuit as an AI-based pre-screening tool for MSI detection from colorectal cancer histology slides. Nat Commun 14, 6695 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-42453-6
4 Kawakami H et al. (2015). Microsatellite instability testing and its role in the management of colorectal cancer. Curr Treat Options Oncol.
5 FDA approves first cancer treatment for any solid tumor with a specific genetic feature
6 ESMO recommendation, Annals of Oncology 30: 1232–1243, 2019
7 NICE [Accessed June 2023]
8 Cancer Ind. Évaluation du statut MMR tumoral / synthèse. 2021; [Accessed June 2023]
9 National Comprehensive Cancer Network Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal (Version 1 2018)
Press contacts
Owkin US/UK
Edward Farmer
T: +354 863 1923
Owkin France
Malika Labou
T: +33664154562
About Owkin
Owkin is the first end-to-end AI biotech company on a mission to understand complex biology and ensure every patient gets the right treatment.
We identify precision therapeutics, de-risk and accelerate clinical trials, and develop diagnostics using AI trained on world-class patient data through privacy-enhancing technologies. We merge wet lab experiments with advanced AI techniques to create a powerful feedback loop for accelerated discovery and innovation in oncology, cardiovascular disease, and immunity and inflammation.
Owkin also founded MOSAIC, the world’s largest spatial multi-omics atlas for cancer research across nine cancer indications.
Owkin has raised over $300 million through investments from leading biopharma companies, including Sanofi and BMS, and venture funds like F-Prime, GV and Bpifrance, among others.
