AstraZeneca Korea recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Oncosoft, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based software startup, to improve the diagnosis and evaluation environment for the rare disease Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Through this agreement, the two companies will collaborate to expand treatment opportunities for NF1 patients who have plexiform neurofibromas (PNs).
Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a rare disease caused by a genetic mutation. Symptoms appear throughout the body, including light brown spots (café-au-lait macules), freckles, and plexiform neurofibromas. PNs occur in about one in three patients with NF1 and can develop anywhere in the body along nerves, such as the face, limbs, and deep within the body. Depending on the tumor's location, it can lead to changes in appearance, pain, learning disabilities, vision loss, and respiratory distress.
Currently, to receive reimbursed treatment for NF1 with PNs, the total volume change of a single target lesion must be monitored via Volumetric MRI (V.MRI) every six months, as this determines the continuation of drug administration. However, V.MRI requires additional time compared to conventional readings, posing a significant burden in clinical settings. AstraZeneca Korea explained that this MOU was established to help reduce this burden.
Jeon Sehwan, CEO of AstraZeneca Korea, stated, "Our collaboration with Oncosoft is an important step toward creating a better treatment environment and improving therapeutic access by helping patients with NF1 and plexiform neurofibromas to promptly start and maintain their treatment.
"Kim Jinsung, CEO of Oncosoft, commented, "We deeply sympathize with the difficulties that patients with NF1 and plexiform neurofibromas experience during their treatment. We will do our best to address unmet needs in the clinical field and improve patients' quality of life using Oncosoft's proprietary solutions.
"Meanwhile, Oncosoft, founded in 2019, is a company that develops AI-based cancer therapy software. Centered around its flagship software, OncoStudio, the company provides medical professionals with customized medical information and treatment plans.
