Helsinki Biobank and Fimmic Introduce a Unique One Access Service for Biomedical Research
Tissue sample collections and digital services with deep learning -based image analysis solutions
now available as a combined service
Helsinki Biobank and medical AI software company Fimmic announce a collaboration by presenting a unique one access service concept. The new service combines Helsinki Biobank’s large collection of pathology samples and world-class digital services with state-of-the art deep learning AI -based image analysis solutions from Fimmic.
As a result, biomedical researchers, diagnostic and pharma companies have a unique and convenient access
to data and technology, which enables completely new discoveries from the biological samples as well as
improving the efficiency of sample analytics.
“We believe that together we can offer something extraordinary for the research and drug development
community”, says Kaisa Helminen, Fimmic CEO. “Helsinki Biobank has a significant collection of tissue
samples with excellent, comprehensive patient records. We at Fimmic have developed a unique cloud-
based software platform, Aiforia®, where the analysis of tissue sample images can be fully automated. The
analysis is based on deep learning AI technology, which enables automated identification, quantification
and classification of complex or rare target features, e.g. malignant tumors. This opens up enormous
possibilities for new discoveries from biological samples.”
“Together we are in a unique position to combine state-of-the-art technologies and medical research
expertise with biobanking, which is more and more about turning the samples into data”, explains Kimmo
Pitkänen, Director of Helsinki Biobank. “Our new one access service really brings biodata banking to
practice. Instead of giving out only a physical sample, Helsinki Biobank gives the researcher the sample in a
digitalized form combined the deep clinical and biological data from the hospital data lake. Now, together
with Fimmic, we can combine it with digital analyses capabilities. This creates new exciting possibilities for
medical research.”
The Meilahti Campus, where both Helsinki Biobank and Fimmic are located, is one of the most important
medical campuses in Europe. The unique service concept will increase the interaction in the whole
ecosystem, aiming to serve all research and pharma communities.
“Fast and easy access to intelligent image analysis tools which facilitate high-throughput analysis of tissue
samples holds the potential for more efficient drug discovery and drug development. Together with
Helsinki Biobank, we can offer full digital pathology service for the research and pharma community, and
thus facilitate and speed up their research endeavours”, Helminen summarizes.
About Fimmic
Fimmic, founded in 2013, is a spin-off company from the Finnish Institute for Molecular Medicine at the
University of Helsinki. Fimmic’s unique Aiforia® Cloud brings together Deep Learning -based Image Analysis
and high-performance Cloud Computing. The SaaS solution enables fast, accurate and affordable analysis
support for every pathologist and medical researcher in tissue-based image analytics through a zero friction
cloud deployment and intuitive online user interface. Aiforia is currently sold for research use. In addition to
digital pathology images, Aiforia is compatible with any 2D images. Please visit www.aiforia.com for more
information.
Contacts:
Kaisa Helminen, CEO
contact@fimmic.com
About Helsinki Biobank
Helsinki Biobank is a hospital based biobank operating as part the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa
(HUS). Helsinki Biobank covers 2,2 million inhabitants. Helsinki Biobank provides samples from its large
sample repository, with associated clinical information, for approved medical research and R&D projects. In
addition, the biobank offers pathology sample services, other biological data and possibility for patient re-
call. The largest retrospective sample collection contains diagnostic samples from 1,3 million individuals
collected during years 1982-2013.
More information on Helsinki Biobank website: www.terveyskyla.fi/helsinginbiopankki/en
Contacts:
Dr. Kimmo Pitkänen, Director of Helsinki Biobank
Source: Fimmic
