AI startup, University of Pittsburgh collaborate on new machine learning models

Owkin, a New York City-based AI startup, announced it is now working with the University of Pittsburgh to design and validate advanced machine learning models. Once finalized, the new models are expected to have a significant impact in areas such as clinical research and the development of pharmaceuticals.

Michael Becich, MD, PhD, a Distinguished University Professor from Pitt’s department of biomedical informatics (DBMI), is leading the school’s researchers as they introduce their own “high-quality datasets and world-class medical research” with Owkin’s AI and federated learning solutions.

“We’re thrilled to launch this project with Dr. Becich and his team at Pitt,” Meriem Sefta, head of partnerships for Owkin, said in a prepared statement. “The quality and size of the University’s research cohorts in combination with the DBMI’s mandate to bring together healthcare physicians and innovative academics to work on some of the most cutting-edge science, makes this collaboration a great opportunity to develop predictive AI models and to scale other research in the future.”

“This collaboration with Owkin will expand our innovations in the computational pathology space,” Becich said in the same statement. “Our currently funded projects explore areas such as the intersection of genomics and machine learning applied to histopathologic imaging (computational pathology) to broaden our understanding of the role of the tumor microenvironment for precision immune-oncology.”

Michael Walter
Michael Walter, Managing Editor

Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.

Around the web

The tirzepatide shortage that first began in 2022 has been resolved. Drug companies distributing compounded versions of the popular drug now have two to three more months to distribute their remaining supply.

The 24 members of the House Task Force on AI—12 reps from each party—have posted a 253-page report detailing their bipartisan vision for encouraging innovation while minimizing risks. 

Merck sent Hansoh Pharma, a Chinese biopharmaceutical company, an upfront payment of $112 million to license a new investigational GLP-1 receptor agonist. There could be many more payments to come if certain milestones are met.