Korea AstraZeneca and Avis Sign MOU to Establish AI-Based HER2 Diagnostic Ecosystem

Driving a Paradigm Shift in HER2 Diagnosis

On July 15, Korea AstraZeneca signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Avis, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based digital pathology solution startup, at the Korea AstraZeneca headquarters in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, to establish an AI-based HER2 diagnostic ecosystem.

Jeon Sehwan, CEO of Korea AstraZeneca (left), and Lee Daehong, CEO of Avis, are taking a commemorative photo after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Korea AstraZeneca headquarters in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 15th. Korea AstraZeneca

HER2 is the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 protein. It is an important biomarker that influences the growth and division of cancer cells. In particular, treatment strategies for breast cancer can vary depending on the level of HER2 expression, so accurate HER2 diagnosis is recommended to determine the appropriate treatment method for breast cancer patients.

This MOU was signed in response to the growing need for more precise HER2 diagnosis in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients who were previously classified as HER2-negative. The aim is to introduce AI-based HER2 diagnostic technology in Korea to enhance the efficiency of clinicians' interpretations. Until now, immunohistochemistry (IHC) tests have required interpreters to visually identify the degree of cell membrane staining in cancer tissue using a microscope or screen. AI-based HER2 diagnostic technology is expected to assist clinicians in making more precise interpretations and improve diagnostic efficiency, thereby driving a paradigm shift in HER2 diagnosis and treatment.

Through this agreement, Korea AstraZeneca plans to collaborate to successfully introduce and implement Avis's AI-based biomarker quantification solution, 'Quanti IHC,' for HER2 diagnosis in clinical settings in Korea. In particular, the two companies will consider conducting joint research projects to verify the clinical utility of AI-based HER2 diagnostic technology and cooperate to secure real-world clinical evidence.

Jeon Sehwan, CEO of Korea AstraZeneca, stated, "Through this collaboration, we will establish a foundation for more patients to receive timely treatment by introducing AI-based diagnostic technology that can be applied to new classification systems, such as HER2-low and HER2-ultralow, in the domestic clinical environment."

Lee Daehong, CEO of Avis, said, "As the HER2 classification system becomes more detailed, especially in breast cancer, the importance of AI technology to assist clinicians in distinguishing subtle differences in staining in HER2 diagnostics will only increase." He added, "Avis will continue to do its best to reduce the diagnostic burden on clinicians and improve diagnostic efficiency through AI-based HER2 diagnostic solutions, so that cancer patients in Korea can receive more accurate diagnoses and effective treatments."