Health: EMVision has built its portable brain scanner, trial to begin imminently

Brain-scanning medtech EMVision (ASX:EMV) has finished building its portable brain scanner and is set to trial the tech on humans before the calendar year is out.

EMVision debuted on the ASX in December last year; then, it was busy acquiring the intellectual property to develop and commercialise its medical imaging technology that utilises electromagnetic microwave energy to create images of the human brain and other organs.

Today the company announced it had successfully built a portable brain scanner designed to provide hospitals the ability to image the brain at the point of care.

The EMVísion brain scanner pictured alongside a conventional ultrasound device, demonstrating the size and bedside accessibility of the Company’s first clinical unit. Pic: EMVision

Dr Ron Weinberger, EMVision CEO, said this was a first for brain scanning, with its clinical unit’s technology making it easier than ever before.

“Our ICU and neurology clinical collaborators are very excited to start the trial as soon as possible, brain scanning in this manner is not otherwise possible today,” he said.

The unit now needs to be internally calibrated, verified and undergo electromagnetic compatibility testing, before it can be delivered alongside three other units to Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital in November. Clinicians and nursing staff will then begin training to safely operate the device before the trial kicks off, with EMVision saying it will begin before the calendar year is out.

“This will ensure the in-hospital trial is well supported and ongoing commercial device development can continue in parallel to the trial,” Dr Weinberger added.

Shares in the company rose 12 per cent to near-record highs of 95c. Shares, which were offered in the IPO at 25c, fluctuated around the 40c mark but have exploded 118 per cent since the end of August as excitement surrounding the trial increases.

Its quarterly revealed $3.1 million in cash reserves at the end of September. Stockhead has reached out to EMVision for comment.

In more ASX health news today:

Starpharma (ASX:SPL) gains positive new data. Its DEP gemcitabine drug candidate demonstrated significantly enhanced anti-tumour activity compared with Gemzar(gemcitabine), both alone and in combination with Nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane), in a human pancreatic cancer model.

Phylogica (ASX:PYC) announces big cap raise. The biotech will look to raise $26.8 million in a five-for-one entitlement offer to existing shareholders. It is fully underwritten by the company’s chairman Alan Tribe.