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About us

私たちについてのイメージ

Mission

Save Lives All Over the World Eliminate Overlooked Cancer through Endoscopic AI

GI cancers (ranging from esophageal cancer to rectal cancer) are the largest cause of cancer mortality worldwide, accounting for approximately 30% of all cancer deaths.The primary reason for the high mortality rate of GI cancers is because they are not detected at an early stage. Although endoscopic exam can be used to reach a definitive diagnosis of early GI cancers, about 20% of cancers are overlooked due to the limitations of human observation.

Furthermore, most developed countries outside of Japan are experiencing a shortage of endoscopists; there are not enough experienced endoscopists, so most cancers are detected at an advanced stage.AI Medical Service was founded to take on these issues with AI (artificial intelligence), contributing to advances in endoscopic medicine and the elimination of GI cancers through early-stage detection.

Breakdown of Cancer Mortality (Japan)

Breakdown of Cancer Mortality (World)

Message from Our CEO

Our inspiration is the concerns of real endoscopists

As a clinician I have performed over 20,000 endoscopic exams to date. Through this experience, I encountered troubles unique to the real clinical environment. Each time, I relied on the strength of peer physicians to devise solutions and refine research methods. Of note, I developed and systematized a ‘painless’ endoscopic insertion technique that prevents bowel perforation. I also developed and introduced a ‘cold polypectomy’ technique that reduces the risk of bleeding following colon polypectomy to almost zero.

The challenge I am currently engaged in solving is that of “missing cancer” in which cancerous lesions go unnoticed during endoscopic exam. In principle, endoscopists work hard each day to not “miss” any cancerous lesions present within the gastrointestinal tract of their patients. Nevertheless, finding small lesions embedded within inflamed gastric mucosa can be difficult for even endoscopists with more than 10 years of experience. On top of that, doctors responsible for double checking the work of their colleagues are exhausted by analyzing 3,000 or more images each day. For rural areas lacking in specialist physicians, the severity of these problems is further magnified.

Encouraged by a renowned AI expert

I began my current efforts after being inspired by a conversation I had with then-University of Tokyo Professor Dr. Matsuo. At that time Dr. Matsuo told me that, "The image recognition capabilities of AI has begun to surpass that of humans." Hearing those words was when I first realized, "We might be able to resolve the troubles my colleagues and I have been experiencing in the clinical environment!”

From that point we began to analyze a large number of endoscopic images one-by-one, building a database of images to be used in deep learning research. Eventually, the AI technology we developed began to surpass average endoscopists in terms of diagnostic accuracy. Since further refinements are needed for everyday use in the clinical setting, our team is now accelerating product development at a rapid pace. Furthermore, not only do Japanese endoscopes account for 90% of the world's endoscopic equipment, but the skill of Japan’s endoscopists is also considered the highest in the world. Leveraging that wisdom and experience, we aim to contribute to the field of endoscopy world-wide.

Our Strengths

Our strengths

Publishing World-First Research Results

In 2017, we published a paper on an artificial intelligence (AI) that can detect infection with cancer-causing H. Pylori. We then published a world-first paper on using AI to detect early gastric cancer in 2018. We have also authored more than 45 papers on the applications of AI to esophageal cancer, colon cancer, etc. Leveraging this track record of research results, we are aiming to commercialize a product that can detect gastric cancer using AI.

Our strengths

Joint research with
more than 100 leading
medical institutions

Through our research efforts in publishing more than 40 papers in top journals, we have a established a robust data collection system with over leading 100 medical institutions including Cancer Institute Hospital, Osaka International Cancer Center, the University of Tokyo Hospital, and Keio University Hospital.

Our strengths

Acceleration of
global expansion

Japan is regarded as the worldwide leader in endoscopic medicine, meaning that we have attracted attention as a leading player in the global field of endoscopic. As a result, we have received many inquiries from hospitals across the world. In April 2021, we finalized a joint research agreement with National University Hospital, Singapore. Furthermore, we are in discussions with medical institutions in more than 10 countries worldwide.


*Our products are not 510(k) cleared by the US FDA and are not CE marked. They are not commercially available in the US or EU.

Contact

Feel free to contact us using the form below regarding joint research,
media coverage, business partnerships, or related opportunities.

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