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Microsoft collaborates with Mass General Brigham and University of Wisconsin-Madison to further advance AI foundation models for medical imaging

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Collaborations empower the healthcare industry to create a vast array of medical imaging copilot applications that will help enhance radiologists’ experiences and contribute to better patient outcomes

REDMOND, Wash., July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Microsoft Corp. on Wednesday announced collaborations with leading academic medical systems Mass General Brigham and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health along with its partnering health system, UW Health, to accelerate solving some of the biggest challenges in radiology and further advance AI in medical imaging to drive clinician efficiency and enable better health outcomes. The collaborations will foster research and innovation tied to the advancement of high-performing multimodal AI foundation models that empower the entire radiology ecosystem to build on top of the secure Microsoft Azure AI platform and extend the Nuance (a Microsoft company) suite of radiology applications, delivering a wide array of high-value medical imaging copilot applications.

Medical imaging plays a crucial role in healthcare. Health systems spend an estimated $65 billion each year on imaging,1 and approximately 80% of all hospital and health system visits include at least one imaging exam related to more than 23,000 conditions.2 Faced with challenges that the overall healthcare industry grapples with, including physician burnout and staffing shortages, healthcare organizations are looking to generative AI to help reduce workloads, enhance workflow efficiencies, and improve the accuracy and consistency of medical image analysis for care delivery, clinical trials recruitment and drug discovery. Generative AI in radiology also may help enhance patient experiences by reducing wait times for imaging results, further opening up access to care and improving the quality of care.

With the right multimodal data-enriched medical imaging foundation models, Microsoft and its partners will explore how advanced algorithms and applications can help radiologists and other clinicians interpret medical images, as well as assist with report generation, disease classification and structured data analysis.

Microsoft has long been focused on the potential of providing high-performing first- and third-party advanced foundation models and copilot experiences across the ecosystem to empower everyone on the planet to achieve more. Additionally, Microsoft has been an innovator in the space of medical imaging research and biomedical natural language processing, collaborating with experts in medicine to democratize AI and empower researchers, hospitals, life science organizations and healthcare providers to develop new models and systems.

Through these collaborations, researchers and clinicians at Mass General Brigham, UW School of Medicine and Public Health, and UW Health will work with Microsoft to further advance state-of-the-art multimodal foundation models. The organizations will collaborate on the development, testing and validation of the latest breakthrough technology, deploying real-world use cases into clinical workflows3 including via Nuance’s PowerScribe radiology reporting platform, used by the majority of radiologists in the U.S., and the Nuance Precision Imaging Network, which offers a single point of access to automate and scale use of third-party medical imaging AI models for a range of modalities and specialties.   

“Generative AI has transformative potential to overcome traditional barriers in AI product development and to accelerate the impact of these technologies on clinical care. As healthcare leaders, we need to carefully and responsibly develop and evaluate such tools to ensure high-quality care is in no way compromised,” said Keith J. Dreyer, D.O., Ph.D., chief data science officer and chief imaging officer at Mass General Brigham and leader of the Mass General Brigham AI business. “Foundation models fine-tuned on Mass General Brigham’s vast multimodal longitudinal data assets can enable a shorter development cycle of AI/ML-based software as a medical device and other clinical applications, for example, to automate the segmentation of organs and abnormalities in medical imaging and increase radiologists’ efficiency and consistency.”

“Our institutions have a reputation for embracing technical innovations as opportunities to lead the transformation of our field with new scientific discovery and improvement in clinical care,” said Scott Reeder, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and radiologist at UW Health. “We are excited to collaborate with Microsoft on the development, validation and thoughtful clinical investigation of generative AI in the medical imaging space. Our focus is to bridge the gap within medical imaging from innovation to patient care in ways that improve outcomes and make innovative care more accessible.” 

“We are proud to announce our expanded collaborations with leading institutions like Mass General Brigham and UW. Along with other industry partners, our joint efforts aim to leverage the power of imaging foundation models to improve experiences and workflow efficiency across the radiology ecosystem in a way that is reliable, transparent and secure,” said Peter Durlach, corporate vice president, Microsoft Health and Life Sciences. “Together, we are not only advancing medical imaging, but also helping deliver more accessible and better-quality patient care in a very resource-constrained environment.”

The industry continues to see rapid advancements in generative AI in radiology and other imaging specialties. With these advances comes an even greater responsibility to prioritize patient privacy and build systems guided by Microsoft’s Responsible AI principles. In addition to building our own AI systems responsibly and in ways that warrant people’s trust, we empower our customers with tools and features to do the same. We invest in our customers’ responsible AI goals in three ways:

We stand behind our customers’ deployment and use of AI through our AI Customer Commitments.We build responsible AI tools for our customers to use in developing their own AI applications responsibly.We provide transparency documentation to customers to provide important information about our AI platforms and applications.

The collaborations with Mass General Brigham, UW and many other industry partners aim to accelerate the development of high-performing foundation models for medical imaging that support and enable the greater healthcare ecosystem in a way that adheres to Microsoft’s responsible AI principles. Read more in our 2024 Responsible AI Transparency Report.

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

1 JAMA. 2012;307(22):2400-2409. doi:10.1001/jama.2012.5960
2 Healthcare, Definitive. “Healthcare Analytics & Provider Data | Definitive Healthcare.” Definitive Healthcare – Database of Hospitals & Healthcare Providers, www.definitivehc.com
3 Subject to appropriate regulatory approvals 

 

 

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SOURCE Microsoft Corp.

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CHIME and ScaleHealth Announce Joint Venture to Expand Healthcare’s Innovation Ecosystem

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ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME, creates new pathways connecting healthcare leaders, innovators, technology partners, and investors to accelerate the future of digital health.

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) today announced a strategic joint venture with ScaleHealth, Inc. to create ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME, LLC, a new innovation ecosystem designed to connect healthcare’s most pressing challenges with the innovators, leaders, organizations, and partners capable of solving them. By combining CHIME’s trusted digital health community with ScaleHealth’s expansive innovation ecosystem, the venture creates a unique environment where healthcare organizations, entrepreneurs, established technology companies, and investors can discover, connect, validate, and advance the ideas shaping the future of healthcare.

For 35 years, CHIME has evolved alongside the digital health leaders it serves. What began as a community centered on healthcare CIOs has grown into a global network of digital health leaders supported through education, events, research, policy initiatives, media platforms, executive collaboration, and professional communities. The creation of ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME represents the next chapter in that evolution, expanding CHIME’s ecosystem to include the innovators, entrepreneurs, and emerging technology companies helping define what comes next in healthcare.

As healthcare organizations face increasing pressure to improve outcomes, strengthen operations, address workforce challenges, improve cybersecurity, and realize the promise of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, the need for stronger connections across the innovation ecosystem has never been greater. ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME was created to help build those connections.

“CHIME has spent 35 years bringing together the leaders responsible for solving healthcare’s most important technology and transformation challenges,” said Russ Branzell, President and CEO of CHIME. “As the pace of innovation continues to accelerate, we have an opportunity to expand that trusted community even further. ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME, extends our ecosystem to include entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and emerging technology companies so that healthcare leaders can engage earlier, collaborate more effectively, and help shape the innovations that will define the future of healthcare.”

The opportunity emerged through CHIME’s growing innovation programming, particularly its Innovation Summit series, where healthcare leaders and technology companies increasingly expressed a desire to engage more directly with innovators and entrepreneurial organizations. At the same time, startups and growth-stage companies were seeking trusted pathways into healthcare and stronger connections to leaders who understand the industry’s real-world operational challenges.

“Healthcare has no shortage of innovation. The challenge is creating trusted pathways that connect innovators with the healthcare leaders who understand the industry’s most urgent problems,” said Taylor McPartland, CEO of ScaleHealth and leader of the new venture. “By combining ScaleHealth’s innovation ecosystem with CHIME’s trusted community of digital health leaders, we’re creating an environment where meaningful connections can lead to validation, partnership, and real-world impact. This is about bringing together everyone who has a role to play in the future of healthcare innovation and helping them move great ideas forward.”

Unlike traditional accelerators, startup showcases, or innovation marketplaces, ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME is designed as a trusted innovation ecosystem. Healthcare organizations bring forward meaningful challenges. Innovators and startups contribute cutting-edge ideas and technologies. Established technology organizations bring expertise, infrastructure, and scale. Investors provide capital and growth pathways. Together, these stakeholders create an environment where innovation can move from discovery and connection to validation, partnership, and measurable impact.

“Throughout its history, CHIME has grown by bringing the right people together around the challenges that matter most,” said Tressa Springmann, Senior Vice President and Chief Information and Digital Officer at LifeBridge Health and Chair of the CHIME Foundation Board of Directors. “Today, innovation is essential to every aspect of healthcare transformation. ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME extends that trusted community into a broader innovation ecosystem, creating new opportunities for healthcare leaders, entrepreneurs, technology partners, and investors to collaborate, learn from one another, and accelerate meaningful progress across healthcare.”

The venture reflects CHIME’s belief that the next era of digital health will be co-created by healthcare leaders, technology partners, entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators working together to solve the challenges that matter most. By creating a trusted environment for discovery, collaboration, validation, and advancement, ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME aims to become the connective layer between healthcare’s needs and the innovation being built to address them.

Read the full release here.

About CHIME
The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) is the leading professional organization for digital health executives and leaders. CHIME provides a trusted, collaborative environment where members and partners connect, share best practices, advance professional development, and advocate for the effective use of information and technology to improve health and care in the communities they serve. For more information, please visit chimecentral.org.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Contact

Calli Dretke
Executive Vice President & Chief Digital and Marketing Officer
CHIME                                                                                                           
734.412.6255
cdretke@dhinsights.org

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SOURCE College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME)

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In HelloNation, Prenatal Imaging Expert Erika Lambright Explains Ultrasound Differences Between 2D, 3D, And 4D Imaging

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The article outlines how each type of pregnancy ultrasound supports fetal development and family understanding.

DENISON, Texas, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What is the difference between 2D, 3D, and 4D ultrasound imaging during pregnancy? HelloNation has published an article that clearly explains the differences between ultrasound and other prenatal imaging modalities and how each supports fetal development.

The HelloNation article explains that a 2d ultrasound is the most common form of prenatal imaging used during routine pregnancy ultrasound appointments. It produces flat, black-and-white images that allow medical providers to assess fetal development, monitor growth, and evaluate vital structures. The article notes that 2D ultrasound plays a central role in identifying potential concerns early and remains the foundation of prenatal diagnostic imaging.

According to the article, a 3d ultrasound builds on the same technology but creates a more detailed still image with depth. This form of prenatal imaging allows families to see clearer views of the baby’s face, hands, and feet. While 3d ultrasound can support certain medical evaluations, the article describes its primary value as helping parents better visualize fetal development in a more lifelike way.

The article further describes how a 4D ultrasound adds motion to the 3d ultrasound image. This allows families to view real-time video of the baby moving, stretching, or making facial expressions. The article explains that this type of pregnancy ultrasound creates a more engaging experience and helps strengthen the emotional connection, while still using the same safe, noninvasive prenatal imaging technology.

The HelloNation article emphasizes that understanding ultrasound differences helps families set clear expectations before imaging sessions. Each type of pregnancy ultrasound serves a distinct purpose. 2D ultrasound focuses on medical accuracy and fetal development monitoring, while 3D and 4D ultrasound provide enhanced visualization and connection. The article highlights that medical professionals typically rely on 2D ultrasound for diagnostic purposes, while 3D and 4D ultrasound are often optional.

The article also notes that several factors can affect the quality of prenatal imaging results. Baby position, gestational age, and fluid levels all play a role in how clearly images appear, especially during 3D and 4D ultrasound sessions. The article explains that providers often guide families on the best timing for ultrasound visits during pregnancy to improve image clarity and achieve better results.

Prenatal Imaging Experts emphasize through the article that learning about ultrasound differences can reduce uncertainty and help families feel more prepared. By understanding how each type of prenatal imaging contributes to monitoring fetal development, expectant parents can approach each pregnancy ultrasound appointment with clearer expectations.

The article concludes that while 2D ultrasound remains essential for medical care, the added perspectives of 3D and 4D ultrasound offer families a broader, more personal understanding of fetal development. Together, these forms of prenatal imaging provide both clinical insight and meaningful connection throughout pregnancy.

What Is the Difference Between 2D, 3D, and 4D Ultrasounds Explained Simply features insights from Erika Lambright, Prenatal Imaging Experts of Denison, Texas, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. HelloNation maintains partnerships with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the United States First Responders Association.

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SOURCE HelloNation

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Grünenthal presents Phase III results for Qutenza® in post-surgical neuropathic pain at IASP 2026 World Congress on Pain

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Late-breaking data from the Phase III RISE trial further strengthen the well-established efficacy and safety profile of Qutenza®. Post-surgical neuropathic pain is a debilitating complication of surgery affecting millions of patients every year.1 

AACHEN, Germany, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Grünenthal, a global leader in pain management and research, today announced new data from the Phase III RISE trial (NCT04967664), evaluating Qutenza® versus control in people with post-surgical neuropathic pain. These data were shared today as late-breaking poster presentations at the 2026 International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) World Congress on Pain in Bangkok, Thailand.

The trial (n=409) showed that Qutenza® achieved a statistically significantly greater reduction in average pain intensity (API) than the control treatment over weeks 2-12, meeting one of its pre-specified primary endpoints. When evaluating API at week 12 specifically, at the point when patients would typically return for retreatment, the numerical difference favoured Qutenza® but did not reach statistical significance. In the extension phase of the trial, in which up to 4 retreatments were allowed, Qutenza® achieved a statistically significantly greater reduction in API than the control treatment over weeks 2-42. Safety findings were consistent with previous Qutenza® trials and no new safety signals were observed. These data support the well-established efficacy and safety profile of Qutenza®.2,3

“Post-surgical neuropathic pain can be difficult to manage with current treatment options, and there is an urgent need for patient-centred, effective solutions. The RISE trial provides encouraging evidence that Qutenza® can deliver clinically meaningful and sustained pain reduction for up to 42 weeks, having shown a greater reduction in average pain intensity than the control,” said Prof. Patrice Forget, MD, PhD, FFPMRCA, Clinical Chair (full professor) in Anaesthesia, University of Aberdeen, and Honorary Consultant, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, UK. “As IASP shines a global spotlight on neuropathic pain at this year’s congress, findings such as these are important to help improve outcomes for patients and reduce the burden of pain on families and healthcare systems.”

“Post-surgical neuropathic pain has been relatively understudied and continues to go under-recognised in clinical practice,” said Uli Brödl, Chief Scientific Officer, Grünenthal. “These results build on the robust body of evidence for Qutenza® and reinforce its potential to provide meaningful, long-lasting pain relief for people living with pain.”

Post-surgical neuropathic pain is a poorly recognised potential complication of surgery that can result in devastating outcomes. It affects millions of patients every year, with pain lasting for months or years post-procedure.1 It can also have a significant mental health impact, with patients reporting feeling extremely depressed or anxious, and having problems with daily activities.4

Qutenza® is already approved in Europe for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in adults, either alone or in combination with other medicinal products for the treatment of pain.5 It is also approved in the US for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia and for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) of the feet in adults.6

About the RISE trial2,3
The RISE (AV-001) trial is a Phase III multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group trial to confirm the efficacy and safety of Qutenza 179mg cutaneous patch versus a low-dose capsaicin control patch in people with moderate to severe post-surgical neuropathic pain.

It included eligible adults with a 24-hour average pain intensity (API) score of 4 or more, a pain duration of 6 to 60 months after index surgery and a DN4 (Douleur Neuropathique 4) Interview score of 3 or more.

Participants were randomly assigned to receive treatment with either a 60-minute Qutenza patch (8%) or a low-dose capsaicin control patch (0.04%).

The trial had two primary endpoints:

Change in 24-hour API from baseline to the average score of the entire period between Week 2 and Week 12.Change in 24-hour API from baseline to the average score at Week 12.

The primary sponsor of the trial is Averitas Pharma, Inc., Grünenthal’s U.S. subsidiary.

About post-surgical neuropathic pain
Post-surgical neuropathic pain (PSNP) is defined as chronic pain with neuropathic characteristics that develops or increases after surgery and persists beyond the normal healing process. It is thought to arise, at least in part, from nerve injury and pain sensitisation associated with surgery.7

The signs and symptoms of peri- and post-surgical pain can vary based on the person and the severity of the injury caused in surgery. Reported symptoms include pain caused by stimuli that are normally painless (allodynia), abnormally increased sensitivity to pain (hyperalgesia), tingling, numbness, phantom pain and scar pain.8,9,10 

About Qutenza®
In Europe, Qutenza® (capsaicin) is indicated for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in adults, either alone or in combination with other medicinal products for the treatment of pain.5

Qutenza® (capsaicin) 8% topical system is approved in the US for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia and for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) of the feet in adults. Important US safety information is available at www.qutenza.com.6

Qutenza® is a topical TRPV1 agonist, designed to provide neuropathic pain relief for up to three months through defunctionalisation of nociceptors and nerve fibre regeneration.

About Grünenthal
Grünenthal is a global leader in pain management and related diseases. As a science-based, fully integrated pharmaceutical company, we have a long track record of bringing innovative treatments and state-of-the-art technologies to patients worldwide. Our purpose is to change lives for the better – and innovation is our passion. We focus all our activities and efforts on working towards our vision of a World Free of Pain.

Grünenthal is headquartered in Aachen, Germany, and has affiliates in 28 countries across Europe, Latin America, and the U.S. Our products are available in approx. 100 countries. In 2025, Grünenthal employed around 4,100 people and achieved revenues of €1.8 billion.

More information: www.grunenthal.com

Follow us on LinkedIn & Instagram

For further information, please contact:

Matt Crabb, Head of Global Communications (Interim) at Grünenthal

matt.crabb@grunenthal.com 

References

1 Gregory P & Settles K. Pract Pain Manag. 2013;13(9):1–6.
2 Wallace M et al. Efficacy of high-concentration capsaicin patch in post-surgical neuropathic pain (RISE). Presented at the International Association for the Study of Pain World Congress 2026.
3 Wallace M et al. Safety and tolerability of high-concentration capsaicin patch in post-surgical neuropathic pain (RISE). Presented at the International Association for the Study of Pain World Congress 2026.
4 Santos MP, Lemos F, Gomes J, Romao JM, Veiga D. Br J Pain 2024;18(1):42–56.
5 European Medicines Agency. Qutenza 179 mg cutaneous patch SmPC. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/573/smpc
6 US Food and Drug Administration. Qutenza® Prescribing Information. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/022395s019lbl.pdf
7 Correl D. F1000Res. 2017;6:1054.
8 Werner MU & Kongsgaard UE. Br J Anaesth. 2014;113(1):1–4.
9 Macrae WA. Br J Anaesth. 2008;101:77–86.
10 Searle RD & Simpson KH. Contin Educ Anaesth Crit Care Pain. 2010;10:12–14.

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SOURCE Grünenthal Group

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