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2019 – A Year In Review
20 January 2020
By

2019 was a big year for OracleBio in many aspects, with new software, new team members and new clients. In our annual year in review blog, we share our key highlights and insights into our activity from the past year.

Deep Learning

As expected, artificial intelligence and the use of deep learning in image analysis was a hot topic for 2019. At the beginning of the year, we integrated Visiopharm’s Deep Learning module into our Oncotopix image analysis platform and since then we’ve been seeing the benefits this can bring to our clients. So far, deep learning has helped us to address more complex analysis questions and improved turnaround time, for example by reducing the amount of time required for annotations. Furthermore, we investigated whether applying deep learning classifiers for tumour identification on IHC stained serial sections could eliminate the need for image co-registration and presented our findings at SITC in November – find out more on that here.

What kept us busy?

The majority of our time was spent working on Immuno-Oncology studies for our clients. Requests for immune cell quantification in the tumour and stroma remained popular, as did spatial interaction analysis. Out with Immuno-Oncology, we also supported Fibrosis, NASH, Renal, Alzheimer’s & Metabolism studies.

We continued to work on a large number of multiplex IF studies involving quantification of up to 6 markers on the same slide. Throughout the year, we received an increasing number of requests for ‘high-plex’ analysis of 7-40 markers stained using new techniques from companies like Ultivue, Fluidigm or Zellkraftwerk. If you’re interested in OracleBio’s analysis of these images, look out for our poster at AACR in April this year which involves analysis of an 8-plex Ultivue panel.

Internal Growth

We welcomed a number of new staff to the company – two additional image analysts to keep pace with demand, a dedicated IT technician and a senior business development manager. In October, Dr James Going joined the team as Senior Pathologist. James brings a huge amount of expertise to the role, with over 39 years pathology experience, and is already proving to be a great asset to the team – read more on that here.

Conferences & Travel

The BD team were kept very busy throughout 2019, with regular face-to-face client meetings across 6 US states and 7 EU countries. We attended 8 conferences across the year covering Oncology, NASH and Pathology. These events were a great way to make new contacts as well at catch up with a few familiar faces. We understand the value of face-to-face meetings, but we are also keen to reduce our carbon footprint so in 2019 we invested in a video conferencing suite, which allows us to have more face-to-face time with less travel. Fancy a video call? Contact us now to arrange a chat.

New Year

We are excited about what 2020 holds for OracleBio, which is already looking to be a busy year. We are in the final stages of implementing our GCP image analysis services, which will be launched in the coming months – keep an eye out for a big announcement on that. The BD team’s calendar is already starting to fill up, with plans in place to visit San Francisco, San Diego, Boston, Antwerp and Cambridge UK in Q1. If you’re interested in meeting with one of our BD team whilst they are in your city, then please contact us to arrange a meeting.

With our schedules already starting to fill up, 2020 is looking to be our busiest year yet and as a result we will be looking to add some new members to the team. Head to our careers page if you are interested in a new role with OracleBio.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our clients, partners and suppliers for helping us to achieve so much in 2019. We look forward to a successful 2020 with you!

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