GE HealthCare (GEHC) will build on its contract for AI-powered ultrasound with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) with an approximately $35 million expansion.
The jointly-funded expanded agreement with BARDA, part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, builds on the existing collaborative program initiated in 2023 to develop AI-powered ultrasound technology to support trauma assessment, diagnosis, and treatment in mass casualty incidents.
The expanded scope of the agreement will facilitate development of new AI-powered tools to enhance diagnostic speed and reduce operator dependency, GEHC said, even for nonexpert users. The new automated capabilities will be designed to support more detailed assessments of lung pathologies, including pleural pathologies, as well as to improve the detection of intra-abdominal injuries.
In addition, GEHC said that it is developing point-of-care ultrasound tools for improved reliability and usability in demanding care settings, including field-based settings.
The expanded program will also enable increased engagement with clinicians and medical evaluation sites, according to the company, with a focus on generating clinical evidence, informing ongoing development, and using real-world feedback in developing the new technology.
This project is supported in part with federal funds from BARDA under contract number 75A50123C00035.
