AstraZeneca Announces New AI-Driven Collaboration with MENACTRIMS Aiming to Improve NMOSD Diagnosis Across the Middle East & Africa

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  AI-powered MRI analysis expected to enhance early detection of NMOSD, reducing dependency on subjective visual interpretation
• Multi-country initiative using the MENACTRIMS registry to generate real‑world insights from 300 patients across 16 clinical sites
• Collaboration aims to shorten the average 2–4 year diagnostic delay and reduce the high rates of misdiagnosis commonly seen between NMOSD and Multiple Sclerosis

DUBAI, UAE – (ARAB NEWSWIRE) — AstraZeneca today announced a strategic regional collaboration with the Middle East North Africa Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (MENACTRIMS) to implement AI-enabled brain MRI analysis to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) across the Middle East and Africa.

Through the collaboration, MENACTRIMS will use icobrain, an advanced AI platform from icometrix, to analyse MRI scans from the MENACTRIMS MS and NMOSD registry. The initiative aims to support clinicians in identifying imaging patterns that are often difficult to detect through standard visual interpretation alone — a key challenge in distinguishing NMOSD from Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the most common source of misdiagnosis.

"This collaboration brings forward a practical digital solution to a longstanding diagnostic challenge." said Pelin İncesu, Area Vice President, Middle East & Africa, AstraZeneca. "By combining MENACTRIMS' clinical expertise with icometrix's AI technology, we are supporting clinicians with clearer, more objective imaging insights that can help patients receive a correct diagnosis earlier. This is an important step in advancing equitable access to innovation across our region."

NMOSD is a rare autoimmune disease that can lead to irreversible vision loss, paralysis, and long-term disability. Despite this, patients frequently face diagnostic delays of 2–4 years, and more than 40% are initially misdiagnosed. By integrating AI into MRI assessment, the collaboration seeks to shorten this diagnostic journey and improve access to timely, appropriate treatment.

Commenting on the announcement, Professor Bassem Yamout, President of MENACTRIMS, said:

"Misdiagnosis and diagnostic delay continue to affect outcomes for many NMOSD patients. Integrating AI into MRI assessment allows us to enhance accuracy, reduce uncertainty, and generate new insights using our regional registry data. We are pleased to collaborate with AstraZeneca in bringing this technology to clinical practice."

The impact of NMOSD is severe and progressive. Within five to six years of diagnosis one-third of untreated patients experience permanent motor disability, and a quarter require wheelchair assistance. 41 percent of patients are expected to be legally blind in at least one eye, with nearly one in ten legally blind in both eyes.

Wim Van Hecke, CEO of icometrix, added: "Behind every delayed NMOSD diagnosis is a person whose life has been disrupted by uncertainty. For too many individuals, reaching the right diagnosis takes far longer than it should. Despite its severity, NMOSD still lacks the visibility and diagnostic tools it deserves. By collaborating with AstraZeneca and MENACTRIMS, we have a unique opportunity to change that. Together, we will investigate how advanced imaging analysis can accelerate the time to diagnosis and ultimately improve outcomes for people living with NMOSD across the Middle East and Africa."

The icobrain imaging AI software has been shown to improve clinical, technical, and care workflows and to increase the detection of disease activity in MS. Researchers in this project hypothesize that it can help reduce the time to diagnosis in NMOSD by improving differentiation from MS and other mimicking conditions – helping to ensure patients receive the right treatment from the outset.

There is currently no cure for NMOSD, making early and accurate diagnosis critical to managing symptoms and preventing long-term disability. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in addressing the diagnostic challenges that have long plagued patients across the region.

A Region-Wide Initiative

The first phase of the collaboration will be implemented across 16 sites in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Tunisia, Lebanon and Egypt. The project will include a retrospective analysis of approximately 300 patients from the MENACTRIMS registry, generating new real-world insights into NMOSD imaging patterns within the region.

Advancing Digital Health in Neurology

This initiative reflects AstraZeneca's wider commitment to strengthening diagnostic pathways and accelerating digital health adoption across the Middle East & Africa. By supporting clinicians with technology that enhances precision and consistency, the collaboration aims to improve outcomes for patients living with rare neurological diseases.

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AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries, and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit astrazeneca.com and follow the Company on Twitter @AstraZeneca.

About MENACTRIMS

MENACTRIMS is an independent organization that facilitates communication and creates synergies among clinicians and scientists to promote and enhance research and improve clinical outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS). The main objectives of the organization are to establish national and regional MS registries and to collaborate database in order to formulate a large MS registry, to develop regular, updated guidelines pertaining to diagnosis and therapy of MS in this region, to organize annual congresses in the field of treatment and research in multiple sclerosis, to encourage young researchers in the field of multiple sclerosis, and to collaborate with relevant national and local associations in the region to enhance MENACTRIMS mission.

About icometrix

icometrix, founded in 2011, is a global leader in AI-powered medical imaging solutions for neurological conditions. Its icobrain platform is FDA-cleared, CE-marked, and deployed worldwide across hospitals, research centers, and clinical trials. icometrix was recently acquired by GE HealthCare, enabling the organization to scale its innovation and bring advanced imaging insights to even more clinicians and patients worldwide.

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