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Improved examination of the ocular fundus (eye background)

Summary

Profile Type
  • Technology offer
POD Reference
TODE20250214016
Term of Validity
14 February 2025 - 14 February 2026
Company's Country
  • Germany
Type of partnership
  • Research and development cooperation agreement
  • Investment agreement
Targeted Countries
  • All countries
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General information

Short Summary
The invention from a German university is based on a software-based method for determining the autofluorescence of the fundus of the eye using optical coherence tomography.  By integrating the software, manufacturers of OCT scanners can both significantly expand the range of functions of their devices and reduce examination times. A license agreement and a technology cooperation agreement are offered.
Full Description
Ocular fundus examination is especially important in ophthalmology. It is usually performed by means of fundus autofluorescence (FAF): But FAF imaging is costly, requires a great deal of effort, and is unpleasant for the patient.

The new software-based method from a German university simplifies these diagnostics. It is based on another camera-based diagnostic method: optical coherence tomography (OCT), which uses equipment standard in many ophthalmologist offices. An AI algorithm can now be used to simulate FAF images using many OCT scans, taking advantage of granules distributed in the cell body that have both reflecting and fluorescing properties.

The software from this university could be offered as a functional extension for existing OCT scanners and thus represent a useful addition to the measurement technology of established OCT manufacturers. The integration of the software into existing OCT scanners simplifies the ocular fundus examination for the patient and makes it less unpleasant. It also reduces examination and equipment costs.

Current Status: There is already initial software as well as suitable training data for the AI algorithm. There is initial test software with an executable computer program. The proof of principle has been established.

A license agreement and a technology cooperation agreement are offered. This invention might be of interest for companies active in medical technology, ophthalmology or OCT scanner manufacturers.
Advantages and Innovations
The main advantages of this invention are:
- Expanded function
- Can be integrated into OCT scanners
- Simple operability
- Affordable
Stage of Development
  • Lab tested
Sustainable Development Goals
  • Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
IPR status
  • IPR applied but not yet granted
IPR notes
A German patent application has been submitted to the German Patent and Trade Mark Office. Within the priority year, other applications can be submitted abroad.

Partner Sought

Expected Role of a Partner
A license agreement and a technology cooperation agreement are offered. This invention might be of interest for companies active in medical technology, ophthalmology or OCT scanner manufacturers.
Type and Size of Partner
  • Big company
  • Other
  • SME <=10
  • SME 11-49
  • SME 50 - 249
Type of partnership
  • Research and development cooperation agreement
  • Investment agreement

Dissemination

Technology keywords
  • 06001013 - Medical Technology / Biomedical Engineering
  • 06001005 - Diagnostics, Diagnosis
Market keywords
  • 05002005 - Other medical imaging
  • 05004005 - Diagnostic equipment
Sector Groups Involved
  • Health
Targeted countries
  • All countries