Resonance Health’s FerriSmart MRI iron detection technology to be marketed in US

Resonance Health’s (ASX: RHT) “gold standard” FerriSmart magnetic resonance imaging service will be marketed and sold in the United Stated via an agreement with Accumen subsidiary 3DR Laboratories.

FerriSmart uses artificial intelligence to analyse MRI images and report on liver iron concentrations within seconds.

According to Accumen, the technology enables practitioners to effectively and efficiently monitor liver iron concentrations in people who suffer from systematic iron overload, thalassemia or sickle cell anaemia.

The technology is also useful to monitor people with artificial heart valves that may experience an increase in iron levels over time.

Under the deal, 3DR has been granted a non-exclusive, non-perpetual and revocable licence to market and promote FerriSmart in the US.

For each FerriSmart report sold, 3DR will pay Resonance a royalty fee, with the exact amount remaining commercially confidential.

3DR is the largest 3D medical post-processing laboratory in the US – providing post-processing services to hundreds of hospital radiology departments, stand-alone imaging centres and radiology practices.

All up, 3DR is currently working with 900 hospitals in the US, with the company anticipating the FerrSmart technology to be a “natural extension” to the comprehensive MRI analysis it already offers.

“We are delighted to partner with 3DR and significantly increase the number of patients who can benefit from our non-invasive MRI-based FerriSmart technology,” Resonance chief executive officer Alison Laws said.

“This important liver iron concentration information can provide invaluable insights and help to guide treatment options,” she added.

3DR chief medical officer Dr Robert Falk said iron deposit disorders are a “significant health problem” in the US and worldwide.

Dr Falk added the company was “thrilled” to be working with Resonance to deliver its FerriSmart technology, which is safer, easier and less expensive.

Iron deposit disorders

A primary iron deposit disorder is sickle cell disease, which is an inherited red blood cell condition.

The disease is characterised by hard, sticky, c-shaped red blood cells that die early – leaving them in short supply. They are also known to cause blood clots, which can lead to infection, pain, stroke and acute chest syndrome.

It is estimated 100,000 people in the US are impacted by the disorder along with millions of others worldwide.

Meanwhile, thalassemia refers to a group of inherited disorders which result in reduced haemoglobin, red blood cell production and anaemia.

It is estimated one in 100,000 people are impacted by a thalassemia disorder worldwide.