scienceio Launches with Funding to Revolutionize Health Data

The Genesis of ScienceIO: Transforming Healthcare Data

Prior to establishing a discreet company focused on resolving the complexities of health data management, Gaurav Kaushik recognized the potential of enhanced visualization to positively influence health outcomes. In 2018, while collaborating with a cancer research organization in Boston and FlatIron Health, Kaushik investigated the relationships between cancer patients, genetic mutations within their cancers, and their respective health outcomes.

Key Findings and the Birth of an Idea

The team’s analysis ultimately revealed that patients diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer – an aggressive cancer disproportionately affecting women of color – demonstrated a positive response to immunotherapy treatments.

This understanding of the benefits derived from integrating fragmented patient data with treatment strategies spurred Kaushik to conceptualize ScienceIO. He co-founded the startup alongside CEO Will Manidis, a former Thiel Fellow and managing partner at Dorm Room Fund.

ScienceIO’s Approach: NLP and Data Analytics

ScienceIO leverages natural language processing and advanced data analytics to construct a comprehensive database of patient information. This database aims to facilitate a more thorough understanding and improved treatment of individuals in a holistic manner.

The Need for a Healthcare “Map”

“Effective navigation requires a map, yet healthcare currently lacks one,” stated Manidis. “Identifying patients with critical, unmet needs or discovering novel treatments for rare conditions currently demands extensive manual effort, often spanning years.”

Differentiating ScienceIO in a Competitive Landscape

While numerous startups have attempted to address the challenges of healthcare data, ScienceIO distinguishes itself through its dedication to building a database containing what it asserts is the most representative data available.

“Over the past two years, we have developed the first healthcare AI platform of its kind,” explained Kaushik. “Our focus is a data-first approach to artificial intelligence, creating the technology necessary to transform disparate healthcare data into high-quality, computable information.”

He continued, “There is significant potential to develop data-driven solutions within healthcare, and we anticipate an ecosystem of companies benefiting from our platform and the broader advancements in natural language processing.”

Understanding Natural Language Processing

How NLP Works

Natural language processing (NLP) is a rapidly evolving technology that enhances computers’ ability to interpret human language. The company illustrates this with sentiment analysis, where technology assesses social media posts to gauge the emotions of the user.

ScienceIO applies NLP in conjunction with machine learning to identify variables impacting patient health, utilizing a database encompassing over 9 million medical conditions, drugs, devices, and genes as potential indicators.

Applications and Benefits

For Clinicians

The breadth of the platform allows for diverse applications. Kaushik believes clinicians will be able to develop a more complete understanding of patients based on their individual histories.

“Patients present with a multitude of healthcare concerns, and it’s insufficient to solely focus on a specific condition like cancer or socio-economic factors,” Kaushik emphasized. “It’s about achieving profound insight across all relevant areas, and recognizing the totality of the patient experience.”

He added, “We dedicated three years to building this dataset to ensure it accurately represents patients as physicians would perceive them, rather than reducing them to mere risk factors.”

For Insurance Providers

Manidis provided an example involving insurance companies, which process thousands of medical claims – and associated data points like billing codes, costs, and conditions – daily.

“The challenge lies in prioritizing claims, determining whether to proceed with adjudication or identifying potential fraud,” Manidis explained. “ScienceIO can structure the data, enabling a better understanding of claims and facilitating faster, more accurate patient reimbursement.”

Data Handling and Future Plans

It’s important to note that ScienceIO does not track patient data; instead, it enhances its searchability and generates analytics that can be translated into actionable insights.

The company is currently conducting pilot programs with several clients, but has not disclosed their identities. The outcomes of these pilots will inform their timeline for a general release of the platform.

Securing Funding for Growth

The company’s progress has enabled it to secure $8 million in seed funding. Investors include institutional firms like Section 32 and Sea Lane Ventures, alongside entrepreneurs such as Lachy Groom and Josh Buckley.

• Key Technology: Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Data Analytics
• Focus: Creating a comprehensive, representative database of patient data
• Goal: To improve healthcare understanding and treatment through data-driven insights