NIH awards Subtle Medical $1.6M for AI-based gadolinium reduction technology

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded Subtle Medical a $1.6 million grant for its AI product that reduces the gadolinium needed during MRI exams.

The Fast-Track Small Business Innovation Research Grant is contingent on the SubtleGAD product’s ability to produce certain deliverables.

"With SubtleGAD technology, hospitals and imaging centers will be able to deliver safer MRI exams without sacrificing the clinical quality of the images," said Enhao Gong, PhD, co-founder & CEO of Subtle Medical, in a prepared statement. "We are grateful to receive NIH's support to further the development of our AI product and bring it into clinical use."

Gadolinium-based contrast agents are used in nearly one-third of all MRIs. Studies have suggested that such agents can be retained in the body long after being used during imaging procedures.

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Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.

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