Skin Analytics has launched a smartphone-based version of its artificial intelligence skin cancer assessment technology, allowing clinical-grade skin cancer checks to be carried out without specialist equipment.
The new platform, DERM Zero, has been certified as a Class III medical device under EU regulations and can analyse images taken on a standard smartphone to determine whether a skin lesion requires further clinical investigation. Lesions assessed as non-concerning are discharged, while those identified as suspicious are referred for specialist review.
The technology is designed for use in primary care, pharmacies and community settings, potentially allowing patients to access skin cancer assessments without attending a hospital dermatology clinic.
DERM Zero is based on the company’s DERM platform, which is currently deployed across 24 NHS hospitals. Over the past six years, the technology has assessed more than 230,000 patients and identified more than 20,000 cancers.
According to Skin Analytics, the system has been independently shown to perform at least as well as face-to-face dermatologist assessment and currently supports the autonomous discharge of up to 40% of urgent suspected skin cancer referrals within NHS pathways.
The launch comes as the NHS prepares to expand the use of artificial intelligence within dermatology services. The NHS 10 Year Health Plan identified AI-supported skin cancer pathways as a future standard of care across the health service by 2028.
Skin Analytics said integrated care boards and NHS trusts could use the technology to assess patients before referral into specialist services or to help manage existing waiting lists.
Demand for skin cancer services continues to increase. Urgent suspected skin cancer referrals in England have risen significantly over the past decade, while skin cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Europe.
Skin Analytics founder and CEO Neil Daly (pictured) said: ‘We’ve spent six years proving that AI can match a dermatologist’s accuracy inside the NHS. DERM Zero is the moment that capability moves from the clinic into everyone’s pocket.’
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust consultant dermatologist and trust cancer clinical director Dr Alexandra Kemp said: ‘Since we first employed DERM in our skin cancer pathway, there has been a great impact on our clinical capacity, and it has made a real difference to the efficiency of the care we can provide.’
‘When it comes to skin cancer, we know early diagnosis means better outcomes. To see this technology available on a smartphone, with no specialist equipment required, creates huge possibilities for expanding patient access and enabling earlier diagnosis.’
Skin Analytics is working with UK and European partners to make DERM Zero available from this month.
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