LLC Newsletter
More Women to benefit from earlier breast cancer detection made possible with University technology
With breast cancer, there is clear evidence that earlier detection and treatment improves outcomes. Thanks to technology developed by University researchers, and the recent acquisition of R2 Technology, a company that holds the exclusive license to the University’s patents, more women will benefit from earlier detection of breast cancer.
The technology, a computer-aided detection (CAD) system for mammography, was first developed by University researchers from the Department of Radiology. Faculty members Kunio Doi, Maryellen Giger, Heber MacMahon, Charlie Metz, and Bob Nishikawa led the development of the system. The system, used in conjunction with screening mammography, provides a more detailed look at areas of concern.
In 1993 the University licensed its technology to R2 Technology, a privately held firm based in Sunnyvale, California. With $100 million in funding, R2 took the CAD system through clinical trials on approximately 300,000 patients. Trial data showed that up to 23.4% of cancers currently detected with screening mammography could have been detected earlier.
5 years later R2 launched Image Checker™ mammography CAD technology and became the first vendor to gain clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to use CAD with screening mammography. Since then, the firm has installed more than 2,500 ImageChecker™ systems worldwide and more than 8 million women a year have their mammograms interpreted with the aid of this system. Last year R2 revenues were approximately $45 million.
“R2 was also successful in obtaining federal approval for CAD as reimbursable by insurance which really opened up the market,” said Alan Thomas, Director, Office of Technology and Intellectual Property (UChicagoTech), whose organization, along with predecessor organization, ARCH Development Corp., brokered the deal. “A significant factor in the company’s success was its exclusive licensing agreement with the University.”
Last April, Hologic, Inc., a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of premium diagnostic and medical imaging systems, signed a strategic agreement to acquire R2 in a $220 million stock swap. The partnership will enable even broader distribution to patients and physicians worldwide through the wider channels available to this publicly traded company.
