seoul medical equipmentHealthcare products maker Samsung Medison recently agreed to fully acquire French fetal ultrasound artificial intelligence company Sonio for 126 billion won ($92 million).
Four-year-old French startupp has been developing obstetrics and gynecology ultrasound IT solutions to assist medical professionals in recording and evaluating ultrasound examinations.
Last year, its Sonio Detect received US FDA 510(k) clearance. It is said to be the first machine-independent artificial intelligence assistant software that can automatically perform ultrasound reports and provide image quality control.
why it’s important
Yong Kwan Kim, CEO of Samsung Medison, said: “The collaboration with Sonio will bring together best-in-class ultrasound artificial intelligence technology and reporting capabilities to bring a paradigm shift in prenatal ultrasound examinations.”
With Sonio’s product portfolio, Samsung Medison joins a growing list of providers of ultrasound systems powered by artificial intelligence. Ultrasound equipment manufacturers in 2022 Exo also acquired Medo, a provider of ultrasound artificial intelligence, to provide advanced imaging capabilities. Early last year, GE HealthCare acquired Caption Health, a well-known company in the field of ultrasound artificial intelligence.
Following the completion of the transaction, Sonio will remain an independent company based in France.It will grow commercially independently while maintaining compatibility That Products with any ultrasound equipment system.
Sonio CEO Cécile Brosset added: “In addition to working closely with Samsung Medison, as an independent company, Sonio will continue to advance medical reporting technology and diagnostic software globally, including in areas where healthcare is underserved.”
Completion of the transaction is still subject to regulatory approvals, including from the French Ministry of Economy and Finance.
larger trend
Sonio collaborated with Samsung for the first time in 2021 through Samsung Healthcare France.
As it seeks further expansion in Asia, Sonio has also entered into partnerships with biotech companies LifeCell last year marketed its artificial intelligence products in India, where about a hundred babies are born every two minutes.
Meanwhile, Sonio raised $14 million in Series A funding last year for its commercial launch in the United States.These funds are also intended to supportport It develops and applies its artificial intelligence to portable ultrasound devices and point-of-care.
