Highlights
- Strategic partnership initiated with US Based Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, to conduct a clinical study using AI-powered diagnostic tools developed for autism.
- The study will involve up to two hundred children aiming to finalize the artificial intelligence/machine learning (“AI/ML”) algorithms and models for a larger FDA registration study planned for the second half of 2024.
- This study aligns with regulatory preparations, setting the stage for an FDA registrational study.
- The collaboration agreement ensures that any intellectual property developed as a direct result of the partnership will be owned by BlinkLab.
BlinkLab Limited (ASX:BB1) (“BlinkLab”, “the Company”), an innovative digital healthcare company developing smartphone-based AI powered diagnostic tests for autism, today announced that it initiated a clinical study in partnership with US based Turning Pointe Autism Foundation. The study will enroll up to one hundred children previously diagnosed with autism and one hundred children without an autism diagnosis. The data obtained during the course of this collaboration will be used to finalize the data collection and processing algorithms as well as AI/ML models ahead of the FDA registrational study expected to start in the second half of 2024.
Founded in 2007, Turning Pointe Autism Foundation in Naperville, Illinois, was created to meet the specific and unique needs of students learning with autism. It offers individuals with autism between 5 to 22 years of age best practice programs to support their growth, development, and employment. To date, Turning Pointe’s commitment has had an impact on enhancing independence, communication, and social interactions among hundreds of children, teens, and adults. This collaboration between Turning Pointe and BlinkLab supports its vision to remain at the intersection of hope and innovation.
BlinkLab is proud to bring its innovative neurobehavioral tests to Turning Pointe’s programs. These tests, which can be easily administered via smartphone, are a game-changer in making diagnostic tools more accessible. BlinkLab’s initial focus will be on a pilot program involving students from Turning Pointe aimed at refining and improving the data collection and processing algorithms as well as our AI/Machine Learning models.
Henk-Jan Boele, CEO of BlinkLab commented:
“Our partnership with Turning Pointe is more than just collaboration. It is a major step toward fulfilling our mission to make well-established neurobehavioral testing clinically accessible and efficient. Turning Pointe’s dedication to quality education and support aligns perfectly with our goal of leveraging cutting-edge technology to better understand and assist individuals with autism. We are very excited about the possibilities that this collaboration offers for the advancement of autism diagnosis and care.”
Brian Leedman, Chairman of BlinkLab commented:
“I am excited to see that our first substantive news following our listing a few weeks ago is a collaboration with this prestigious group in the field of autism research in children. I anticipate many more important announcements such as these as we get closer to the commencement of our FDA registration study later this year”.
Study design and experimental setup
Neurobehavioral testing will be performed using the smartphone-based platform developed by BlinkLab. The tests will include general measurement of spontaneous and stimulus-evoked postural, head, facial, and vocal responses along with specific neurometric tests, including the acoustic startle response, prepulse inhibition, long-term habituation, and short-term habituation. Up to two hundred children will participate in the study. During the 15-minute smartphone evaluations, the children will watch an audio-normalized movie while the trials containing the auditory stimuli will be delivered via headphones. For each trial, computer vision algorithms will be used to track and record the position of the participant’s facial landmarks over time. The study will be performed in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations and study protocol was reviewed and approved by the institutional review board of Princeton University (#13943) and Turning Pointe Autism Foundation.
Terms of the Collaboration Agreement (“Agreement”)
- Responsibilities: BlinkLab will provide access to its technology, data and shall facilitate the use of its platform during the term of the Agreement.
- Financial arrangements: None at the date of signing (to be determined via mutual agreement in the future and in a separate agreement).
- Intellectual property (“IP”): Any IP developed as a direct result of the Agreement shall be solely owned by BlinkLab.
- Term: One year from the date of signing (1 May 2024), unless terminated earlier in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement.
- Termination: Either party may terminate the Agreement with 30 days written notice to the other party, should either fail to meet their obligations.
- Confidentiality: Standard confidentiality terms for an agreement of this nature included.
This announcement has been approved by the Board of Directors.
