Densitas, a software company that analyzes the density of breast tissue, has signed a contract that will help integrate its flagship product DM-Density into customers’ imaging systems.

The Halifax company signed the integration agreement with Cambridge, Ma.-based EnvoyAI, an artificial intelligence distribution platform, which is dedicated to incorporating software like DM-Density into health care systems.

“They are already integrated in healthcare systems so we can rapidly penetrate the market through that platform and leverage the already-established foundational framework they built over many years,” said Densitas CEO Mohamed Abdolell in an interview. “This way our entry into the market is a lot more rapid.”

Densitas’ technology works by processing images from mammograms to analyze breast density. It is an important factor in the mammography process since dense breasts can easily mask cancerous cells as healthy tissue. Dense breast tissue is also linked to higher chances of breast cancer so if doctors are aware of a patient’s breast density, they can better allocate their time and resources to ensure she gets appropriate care.

The software is now used in Nova Scotian hospitals and clinics so any woman who has mammography tests in the province will have her information processed by DM-Density.  

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The software is set to be deployed throughout Canada through the Build in Canada Innovation Program, under which the federal government purchases and tests technology from Canadian innovators.

Densitas recently signed a contract with BCIP for $565,069 and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada will test its technology.

“It’s a great validation that the market is ready for this type of technology and we’re coming into the market at the perfect time for that,” said Abdolell. He also said there has been increasing patient-awareness around breast density and its role in breast-screening procedures. 

DM-Density uses machine-learning technology, meaning the software, through the use of algorithms, is able to process the information and provide personalized data.

Densitas says its ability to support appropriate patient management based on an individualized risk profile has the potential to radically change breast cancer screening.

“It’s an appropriate care issue – you don’t want to expose women to unnecessary screening,” said Abdolell. “This can help to avoid that.”

In 2015, Densitas raised $250,000 in venture capital funding from Innovacorp and other private investors to launch DM-Density. Since then, Abdolell said, the company has raised undisclosed amounts of funding and is committed to raising more. He also said the technology has been approved by Health Canada and is pending approval from the FDA.

Densitas recently won the Innovation Award at the 2017 Discovery Awards in Halifax, where it was competing against local companies Kinduct and QRA Corp.

Moving forward, Abdolell said Densitas is focusing heavily on commercialization.

“We’re excited to move forward,” said Abdolell. “The opportunities are immense. Our position (in the province) is going to demonstrate a huge value because we can do this type of work here in Nova Scotia.”