Muscat: Mia®, a deep learning artificial intelligence (AI) solution that works with radiologists to improve breast cancer detection, avoid unnecessary biopsies and ultimately improve the patient experience for all women is being launched in Oman. 

UK-based Kheiron Medical Technologies has signed an agreement with Waleed Pharmacy & Stores LLC, an Omar Zawawi Establishment (OMZEST) group company focused on bringing healthcare, hospital and pharmaceutical solutions to Oman, to bring its Mia solution to the Oman market. With patented AI technology developed on more than three million breast images, Mia (Mammography Intelligent Assessment) is designed to support breast radiologists in making the critical decision to recall women for further testing based on their mammography screening. 

Mia is the first solution of its kind to receive the CE (European regulatory clearance) mark for use as an AI-enabled independent reader for the detection of breast cancer. Through rigorous clinical studies and testing, Mia has learnt to read mammograms to the same level of detail as a consulting radiologist. 

In double-reading mammography workflows where scans are reviewed by two radiologists, Mia can be deployed independently alongside a single human reader. This delivers the quality improvements needed to ensure the sustainability of breast screening services and frees up clinicians to spend more time with patients. Mia can also be deployed as a concurrent reader or in double reader triage.

Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for the Middle East, Simon Penney, added: “I am delighted that Kheiron Medical Technologies is bringing their breakthrough AI platform for breast screening, Mia, to the Gulf region, and that the UK’s Department for International Trade played a role in making this happen.  Kheiron’s technology brings pioneering artificial intelligence to the frontline, freeing up clinicians’ time and helping to save lives.”

Speaking at a signing ceremony between Kheiron and Waleed Pharmacy, Alex Hamlow, Kheiron’s Chief Commercial Officer, said; “Our mission at Kheiron is to support breast screening professionals in the fight against breast cancer with proven and effective AI-enabled tools. We’re excited that Mia is the first AI independent reader solution available for use within the breast screening community in Oman. Based on its performance in the UK and Europe, Mia represents a major breakthrough in helping radiologists to dramatically improve breast cancer detection and patient outcomes. 

“According to the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, breast cancer was the most prevalent of all cancers detected in Oman in 2020, accounting for 37.7% of all new cancer cases detected in women. I’m excited that Mia can help both radiologists and the women they care for,” Mr Hamlow continued.

“We are proud to partner with Kheiron Medical Technologies,” comments Pawan Mordani, General Manager for Waleed Pharmacy.  “Mia can make a real difference for radiologists and for women, and it will add great value to the ongoing breast-screening initiatives in the Sultanate of Oman.”

Mia’s effectiveness has been proven in one of the most ambitious clinical studies in radiology AI to date and tested across multiple demographics and mammography devices.  It was one of the recipients of the UK Government’s first AI in Health and Care Awards through which Mia is undergoing multiple deployments and clinical studies across 15 sites in the UK as a benchmark for how to integrate new, cutting edge technologies into the NHS safely and effectively. Kheiron and AI Advance are currently working with an Australian breast-screening provider to establish the protocols for a forthcoming clinical trial, details of which will soon be announced.

Mia will be available to the UAE, Qatar, and Oman markets pending local requirements.