BlinkLab partners with INTER-PSY to improve wait times for autism diagnosis in children
Digital healthcare company BlinkLab (ASX: BB1) has formed a research and clinical partnership with Netherlands-based INTER-PSY to improve wait times for autism diagnosis in children.
INTER-PSY offers mental health care, guidance and diagnosis to children and adults with psychological and psychiatric conditions.
The partnership will support the adoption of BlinkLab as a diagnostic tool within the autism diagnostic community in Europe and is expected to accelerate BlinkLab’s path to US and European regulatory approval for autism and clinical adoption.
Diagnostic study
As part of the three-year deal, INTER-PSY will run a prospective study on the ability of BlinkLab’s artificial intelligence (AI)-powered smartphone app to aid in the diagnosis of autism in children between two and six years of age.
By analysing behavioural and physiological responses collected via the app, BlinkLab and INTER-PSY aim to identify autism characteristics and potentially offer patients a more rapid, accessible and objective assessment method.
INTER-PSY said it would also use the technology to enhance its own diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.
AI platform potential
BlinkLab chief executive officer Dr Henk-Jan Boele said the partnership demonstrated the potential of an AI mobile health platform to improve and accelerate mental health diagnostics.
“Our collaboration with INTER-PSY is one of the final steps in the prospective validation of our platform before we commence a registration trial with the US Food and Drug Administration later this year,” he said.
“Our team is in the final phase of fine-tuning our AI models and algorithms to ensure they meet the highest standards of accuracy, safety and efficiency.”
“We remain fully committed to executing our strategy and delivering long-term value to all our stakeholders.”
Reduced wait times
BlinkLab chair Brian Leedman said the tool had significant benefits for patients.
“We are targeting the potential of reduced wait times through early diagnosis resulting in treatment at a formative age where early intervention can lead to better outcomes for children and their caregivers,” he said.
“The goal is to implement a ‘no waiting time policy’ between diagnosis and the start of therapy.”
Mr Leedman said adults could also benefit from BlinkLab’s technology, with current wait times for adult autism assessment in the Netherlands being up to three years.