Basque Enterprise Europe Network

Title

A German research institute is looking for commercial partners and licencees for their novel imaging system for contactless dermatological diagnostics

Reference

TODE20210721001

Last update

Mon, Aug, 23, 2021

Deadline

Thu, Aug, 18, 2022

Abstract

A research institute at a large German university developed a patented, novel imaging optical system for contactless dermatological diagnostics, which visualizes diagnostically relevant information such as disease characteristics of the skin and links these with corresponding overview images for localization and documentation. The university institute is looking for collaborations under a licensing or commercial agreement with technical assistance.

Description

A research institute at a large German university active in the development of innovative medical devices developed a patented, innovative optical system for dermatological diagnostics.

So far, the standard device for the examination of skin diseases in everyday clinical practice is the so-called dermatoscope. This device is a reflected-light microscope which is placed on the corresponding skin area and works in contact mode. This for example often suppresses blood circulation. Modern devices often also have the possibility to store the enlarged images digitally. Due to the fact that these devices work in contact mode, the examination results are often falsified because some examined skin areas are deformed. Additionally, the colour reproduction often does not correspond to the natural conditions and is difficult to reproduce. Contactless dermatoscopes are much more flexible and promise realistic, unadulterated results. To date, contactless dermatoscopes only realize working distances of about 6 cm to the patient and use e.g. spacers which are in contact with the patients.

The core of the innovative device is a camera system for the detailed imaging of a patient's skin area and also consists of a contactless dermatoscope. The system is able to produce stereoscopic overview images as well as close-up images with a high resolution and allows for a higher working distance to the patient. In addition, the distance to the specimen can be measured simultaneously which enables the determination of absolute area sizes. Despite the necessary focus, an image scale can also be generated. Furthermore, the camera is able to recognize the exact location where the image was taken on the patient's body.

Potential fields of application:
- Dermatological examinations
- Objective documentation of the treatment course of skin diseases
- Skin cancer prevention

The university is now looking for partners to sign a licensing agreement with a suitable company from the medical device sector. Additionally, the institute is also interested in a commercial agreement with technical assistance. In this context, the institute is keen to find a suitable company, interested in introducing the innovations to the market. This also includes a possible technical optimisation of the presented innovations, which could be needed for the market entry. Therefore, the sought partner should be experienced and capable of turning innovations into market-ready products.

Technology Keywords

Cytology, Cancerology, Oncology;Diagnostics, Diagnosis;Medical Technology / Biomedical Engineering

Keyword Codes:

06001003;06001005;06001013

Current Stage of Development

Intellectual Property Rights

Secret Know-how,Patents granted

IPR Comments:

The patent is granted and valid in Germany.

Exploitation of RTD Results

Organisation/Company Type

Organisation/Company Size

Organisation Comments

Detailed Market Application Codes (VEIC)

MA Keyword

Diagnostic services;Other medical imaging;Electromedical and medical equipment;Diagnostic equipment

MA Keyword Codes:

05001001;05002005;05004001;05004005

Application Domain Description:

Collaboration Type

Comments:

In order to introduce the innovation to the market, the university is now looking for cooperation partners to sign a licensing agreement.

Additionally, the institute is also looking for companies, interested in a commercial agreement with technical assistance. The possible partner could be a manufacturer or a SME, active in the field of medical devices. The partner company should preferably be familiar with dermatological diagnostic tool and legal regulations, such as the Medical Device Regulation (MDR).

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