DIAGNOS is announcing a collaboration with ÉTS on Automated detection and grading of Diabetic Retinopathy using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks, (CNN) a new generation of Deep Learning Technique  

BROSSARD, Quebec, Dec. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diagnos Inc. (“DIAGNOS” or “the Corporation”) (TSX Venture:ADK), (OTCQB: DGNOF), a leader in early detection of critical health issues through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), announces today a collaboration with ÉTS, École de technologie supérieure, an engineering school part of Université du Québec.   The collaboration is funded in part by the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).  Our focus will be to measure the benefit of using deep convolutional neural networks in detecting anomalies of diabetic retinopathy and classifying the patient by level of severity.  

The main outcome of this collaboration is to bring Diagnos’ algorithms to a newlevel of automation, speed and accuracy. “Diagnos is always interested in cutting-edge algorithms in deep learning and with this collaboration, this will enable Diagnos to engage with leading academics to develop state-of-the-art screening solutions,” said André Larente, CEO at Diagnos Inc.

Under the supervision of Professor Ismail Ben Ayed, ÉTS students will work with Diagnos in using deep convolutional neural networks to detect anomalies caused by diabetic retinopathy and classify the patients by level of severity. The images will be provided by our CARA (Computer Assisted Retina Analysis) database. “A data-driven, large-scale and optimization based approach, which promises to deliver retinal image interpretation algorithms with a much higher practical impact,” said Professor Ismail Ben Ayed.

We anticipate that this partnership will increase automation, efficiency and precision for early identification and monitoring of diabetic retinopathy.  “Identifying patients in early stages of diabetic retinopathy is our main goal because we can treat them efficiently.  Our objective is to refer patients at high risk of going blind,” said Dr Hadi Chakor, CMO at Diagnos Inc.
  
This is our second collaboration project in Quebec this year.  “We are deeply committed to develop our ties in our community.  Our technology project with CHUM (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montréal) was our first large investment in a teaching hospital. This announcement, with the financial support of Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), represents the second step of our strategy to collaborate with an engineering school to foster innovation and speed up our go to market plan.  We are building the case from which to grab market share in the North America healthcare market,” said Yves-Stephane Couture, Vice-President of Sales at Diagnos.

About ETS
A University that Specializes in Applied Engineering. The École de technologie supérieure is a constituent establishment of the Université du Québec. ÉTS, which specializes in engineering and technological transfer education as well as applied research, trains engineers and researchers who are recognized for their practical and innovative approach. Since its creation, ÉTS has pursued a mission that is deeply rooted in all its activities: To meet the needs of the industrial sector, which is in need of engineers who have not only a good theoretical background, but also practical knowledge. To fulfil this mission, ÉTS has a unique partnership with the business and industrial spheres that includes both small and large companies. It stands out from other universities in Québec because of the applied training it offers students, as well as its research activities conducted by and for companies.

About DIAGNOS
DIAGNOS is a publicly-traded Canadian corporation with a mission of early detection of critical health issues through the use of its Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) tool CARA (Computer Assisted Retina Analysis). CARA is a tele-ophthalmology platform that integrates with existing equipment (hardware and software) and processes at the point of care. CARA’s Artificial Intelligence image enhancement algorithms make standard retinal images sharper, clearer and easier to read. CARA is accessible securely over the internet, and is compatible with all recognized image formats and brands of fundus cameras, and is EMR compatible. CARA is a cost-effective tool for screening large numbers of patients in real-time and has been cleared for commercialization by several regulatory authorities such as Health Canada, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union.

Additional information is available at www.diagnos.com and www.sedar.com

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This news release contains forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in these statements. DIAGNOS disclaims any intention or obligation to publically update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

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