Photocure Partners with Intelligent Scopes to Develop AI-Powered Blue Light Cystoscopy for Bladder Cancer Detection
Norway-based Photocure ASA, known as “The Bladder Cancer Company,” has announced a partnership with U.S.-based Intelligent Scopes Corporation (ISC) to co-develop artificial intelligence software for blue light cystoscopy (BLC®). The collaboration aims to advance real-time bladder cancer detection by integrating AI into Photocure’s blue light technology, which is already established as a leading diagnostic tool in urology.
Photocure, the developer of the Hexvix®/Cysview® imaging agents, brings decades of expertise in bladder cancer diagnostics to the project. ISC, a subsidiary of UK-based Claritas HealthTech Limited, specializes in AI-powered endoscopy solutions. Together, the companies are working to develop software capable of assisting urologists in detecting and characterizing bladder tumors during cystoscopy procedures. Early testing, based on approximately 200 blue light procedures and over 80,000 images, has shown promising results in identifying high-risk lesions more accurately and at earlier stages.
To further train and validate the AI system, Photocure will lead a clinical study known as ENAiBLE (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT07144319) across multiple sites in the U.S. and Europe. The study will collect blue light cystoscopy videos and images from bladder cancer patients to improve the AI’s diagnostic accuracy. Following development, the companies plan to pursue FDA clearance, alongside regulatory approvals in Europe and other regions. A beta version of the software is expected within 12 to 18 months.
Under the agreement, Photocure will retain exclusive, perpetual global commercialization rights to the AI-enhanced BLC solution once regulatory clearance is achieved. The technology is intended to be compatible with any blue light cystoscope system, enabling broad integration across markets.
Dan Schneider, President and CEO of Photocure, stated that the partnership represents a step toward more data-driven and precise uro-oncology diagnostics. “This initiative strengthens our mission to advance personalized medicine and improve patient outcomes through precision diagnostics,” he said. ISC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rajesh Nair added that combining AI with blue light imaging could “transform bladder cancer management by improving detection accuracy and supporting complete tumor resection.”
Photocure’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Anders Neijber, noted that AI-enhanced BLC has shown potential to outperform traditional white light cystoscopy, particularly in detecting high-grade carcinoma in situ (CIS) lesions. Future developments are expected to include real-time tumor mapping and risk stratification tools, further expanding the clinical value of blue light cystoscopy in bladder cancer care.
