Simon Fraser University (Burnaby, BC, Canada) PhD graduate Maryam Sadeghi has developed a handheld tool that incorporates a microscope and uses a smartphone to monitor skin for signs of cancer.
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Sadeghi has spent three years transitioning from academic research to her start-up venture, MetaOptima Technology (Vancouver, BC, Canada), to develop the MoleScope device, which enables people to monitor their moles and skin health, share images with family and healthcare providers, and eventually connect skin specialists with people online.
MoleScope comprises a mini-microscope that attaches to a smartphone, an app (iOS-, Android-, or web-compatible), and a cloud-based analytical platform called DermEngine. Once people take high-quality, high-resolution images of suspicious moles or skin abnormalities, they can archive images and communicate concerns with others. The device is expected to provide healthcare benefits in communities without access to medical specialists and in those with long waitlists, as people can self-monitor their moles and track changes over time.
The company has developed two versions of MoleScope: a consumer version expected to retail at $149 and a more expensive professional version that was presented at the World Congress of Dermatology meeting held June 9-13, 2015, in Vancouver.
MoleScope has received approval from Health Canada, is FDA-registered as a Class 1 medical device in the U.S., and has just received the CE Mark in the EU. TGA approval in Australia is expected shortly. The company is initiating an early adopter program with qualified dermatologists and receiving strong interest from potential distributors and channel partners throughout the world.
For more information, please visit www.molescope.com.
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