TECH DIGEST- A research team from London’s Moorfields Eye Hospital and the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology reveals the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to identify Parkinson’s disease even before its symptoms manifest. Through an innovative use of AI, the study scrutinized a comprehensive dataset and pinpointed distinctive retinal indicators.

Harnessing the power of AI, this transformative study aimed to decode physical variations within the eyes of individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease and those who are not yet symptomatic. By employing a pre-emptive analysis approach, the scientists aspire to establish an efficient pre-screening mechanism.

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The research revolved around a dataset acquired from optical coherence tomography (OCT), a cutting-edge 3D scanning technology renowned for generating intricate cross-sectional retinal images. This dataset comprised a substantial cohort of 154,830 individuals aged 40 and above, who sought care at London’s eye hospitals between 2008 and 2018. Moreover, a parallel analysis encompassed 67,311 healthy volunteers aged 40 to 69, hailing from a medical database.

The findings astoundingly revealed that individuals affected by Parkinson’s exhibited discernibly thinner ganglion cell-inner plexiform and inner nuclear layers within their eyes. Notably, these distinctive markers were detectable an impressive average of seven years prior to the clinical onset of the disease.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans, a staple tool in the arsenal of opticians, provide invaluable insights into ocular health by revealing intricate cellular layers beneath the skin’s surface. The study’s novel proposition lies in scrutinizing these layers during the years preceding the emergence of discernible symptoms. This innovative approach holds the promise of ushering in a new era of early Parkinson’s detection.

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TECHDIGEST – Remedial Health, a healthtech startup, has secured $12m in an equity and debt funding round to boost the pharmaceutical value chain in the county.

The firm also stated that the funding would support the delivery of targeted financial services to drive business growth across the pharmaceutical sector.

It explained that the $12m funding round was achieved through a $8m Series A equity funding round and a $4m debt funding round.

In a statement, the firm said, “The $8m Series A equity funding round was led by US-based venture capital firm, QED Investors and co-led by Ventures Platform, who have now invested in Remedial Health at every funding round since the pre-seed stage.

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“This investment also represents Ventures Platform’s first Series A investment. Ycombinator, Tencent and Gaingels also invested after participating in previous rounds. The $4m debt funding was led by a consortium of local and international financial institutions.”

It noted that across Africa, 85 per cent of retail medicine purchases happen at micro-enterprises, typically neighbourhood pharmacies and Proprietary Patent Medicine Vendors. It stated that it has built an operating system for pharmaceutical buyers and suppliers, working with more than 300 manufacturers, and serving more than 5,000 hospitals, pharmacies, and PPMVs across 34 of Nigeria’s 36 states.

It added that with its new funding, it will deepen the reach of its services across the country. The Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Remedial Health, Samuel Okwuada, said, “We are delighted to have raised these funds, particularly with the wider context of the global funding downturn and the wide range of economic headwinds in Nigeria.”

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