Online database of FDA-approved AI debuts

A small but mighty research outfit based in Hungary has compiled a user-friendly database of medical technologies anchored in AI and approved by the FDA.

The Medical Futurist Institute released the fruit of its labors this month in a study published by npj Digital Medicine.

Institute director Bertalan Meskó, PhD, of Semmelweis University in Budapest and colleagues state that one of their aims is to move the FDA—or any other competent regulatory body—to follow suit.

Until that happens, the institute’s own online database may be as comprehensive, searchable and up-to-date as any a governmental operation might offer.

It’s also available in full for free.

In an accompanying post on the institute’s website, Meskó urges the FDA, European Medicine Agency and similar governmental bodies to step up on behalf of their respective constituencies.   

“As AI-based devices and algorithms for medical purposes are becoming integral parts of the healthcare landscape, the importance of such an easily accessible and informative database will become more apparent,” he writes. “Regulatory authorities have the duty to maintain one to allow a better oversight of the credible AI tools managing our health.”

Dave Pearson

Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.

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.