Welcome back to AI 411, a monthly roundup of artificial intelligence (AI) announcements from across the healthcare industry.
This month, the FDA announced the launch of a large language model (LLM) AI tool named Elsa. In a press release on its website, the FDA said that Elsa is designed to “summarize adverse events to support safety profile assessments, perform faster label comparisons, and generate code to help develop databases for nonclinical applications.” It marks the agency’s first step in its AI journey.
But that wasn’t the only news this June. Here’s your roundup of health-related AI updates from around the industry.
American Medical Association (AMA). On June 11, the AMA adopted a new policy calling for “explainable clinical AI tools” that give users clear information about the safety and efficacy of the product. In other words, the AMA is asking AI tool companies to provide clear explanations of how their tools work so clinicians can make the best decisions when using them.
The Cigna Group. Cigna announced on June 12 the release of several new digital tools, including an AI virtual assistant that can chat with patients about insurance and care options on the company’s app. Soon, the company said in a release, the tool will include new provider matching technology that connects patients with clinicians based on insurance and needs.
Hinge Health. Digital musculoskeletal clinic Hinge Health announced on June 17 the release of HingeSelect, a provider network powered by AI and designed to connect patients to in-person care at low prices.
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LeanTaaS. Software company LeanTaas announced its new AI-powered tool iQueue for Surgical Clinics on June 10, which will use AI modules to help coordinate surgeries from the administrative side to the operating room, including case-building, patient outreach, insurance authorizations, scheduling.
Nabla. AI assistant company Nabla, known for its ambient scribe, announced a $70 million Series C funding round on June 17. Fundraising was led by HV Capital, with additional investment by venture capital firms Highland Europe, DST Global, Cathay Innovation, and Tony Fadell's Build Collective. The company has so far raised $120 million, and new money will go toward product development and expansion.
MIT and Recursion. On June 2, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and biotech Recursion announced the release of Boltz-2, an open source AI that helps pharmaceuticals design small molecule drugs by predicting if they will work effectively on patients.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and HealthEx. MD Anderson and tech company HealthEx announced on June 9 a strategic collaboration to develop AI tools that can support the patient consent process and make it easier for patients to control how their data is used.
Wysa. Mental health company Wysa announced on June 11 the launch of Wysa Gateway, a chatbot that uses AI to facilitate conversations between therapy providers and health plans.