GE HealthCare Inks $44M Contract with BARDA to Develop AI-Driven Ultrasound Tech

Moreover, the AI-driven tech will support clinicians of all skill levels in efficient diagnosis. Further, it will offer treatment for patients with lung pathologies and traumatic injuries to the abdomen, chest, and head.

US-based GE Healthcare has signed a $44 million contract with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to develop and obtain regulatory clearance for next-generation ultrasound technology with AI applications.

The newly signed contract is a part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

As per this agreement, GE Healthcare will build upon its existing point-of-care ultrasound technology portfolio to develop an advanced probe and ultrasound system, incorporating advanced AI technology to ease acquisition and interpretation of ultrasound exams for users of all skill levels.

Moreover, the AI-driven tech will support clinicians of all skill levels in efficient diagnosis. Further, it will offer treatment for patients with lung pathologies and traumatic injuries to the abdomen, chest, and head.

Additionally, the proposed devices will cover indications for multiple injury types blunt and penetrating trauma, head trauma, lung injuries, as well as multiple lung pathologies encountered outside trauma care such as those seen in infectious diseases.

Expressing his views, Roland Rott, president and CEO, Ultrasound, GE HealthCare, said, 'œPoint-of-care ultrasound is an essential tool in emergency situations to help clinicians quickly get the answers they need when treating patients. We are grateful and excited for the opportunity to partner with BARDA to contribute our expertise in ultrasound and AI applications to develop innovative solutions for identifying a range of traumatic injuries and lung pathologies. Our collaboration has the potential to enhance the ability of clinicians to provide timely care for trauma patients even in the most dire scenarios.'

Founded in 1889, GE Healthcare is a subsidiary of General Electric (GE), by Thomas Edison and Charles A. Coffin. The company provides a wide range of medical technologies and services to healthcare providers and researchers. 

Their broad expertise in medical imaging and information technologies, medical diagnostics, patient monitoring systems, drug discovery, biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies, performance improvement, and performance solutions services help their customers deliver better care to more people around the world at a lower cost.

In addition, they partner with healthcare leaders, striving to leverage the global policy change necessary to implement a successful shift to sustainable healthcare systems. Their mission is to improve patient care and outcomes by creating a world where healthcare has no limits.

Last month, the company secured a $44 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to facilitate the development of user-friendly, AI assisted ultrasound imaging auto-assessment tools.This development is particularly significant within the domains of maternal and fetal care.

Earlier, it further partnered with Mayo Clinic to drive advancements in medical imaging and theranostics. It aims to enhance patient experience by applying new technologies and approached to medical imaging and theranostics in real-world clinical settings.