Underdiagnosed COPD Faces New Threat as Olympus Deploys AI Screening at Scale

• Olympus launches SeleCT™ Screening campaign using 4DMedical’s AI lung imaging
• Program identifies candidates for minimally invasive lung volume reduction therapy
• Leverages existing CT scans without additional procedures or tracers
• Addresses significant underdiagnosis of COPD and emphysema in the US
• Partnership expands 4DMedical’s footprint in interventional respiratory care

A New Chapter in Lung Health Screening

In a significant development for respiratory healthcare, Olympus Corporation, a global leader in medical devices, has rolled out its SeleCT™ Screening program across the United States. Powered by 4DMedical’s advanced AI-driven lung density analysis technology, this initiative aims to identify patients with advanced emphysema who could benefit from bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) therapy using the Olympus Spiration™ Valve System.

This launch represents one of the largest commercial deployments of AI-based lung imaging technology in a therapeutic screening context, leveraging existing CT scan data to pinpoint candidates for minimally invasive interventions. By integrating seamlessly into current hospital infrastructure, SeleCT™ Screening avoids the need for additional scans or tracer agents, making it a practical and scalable solution.

Addressing a Critical Unmet Need

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects nearly 16 million adults in the US, with emphysema, a severe form of COPD, diagnosed in over 3 million. Yet, COPD remains vastly underdiagnosed worldwide, with estimates suggesting up to 80% of cases go undetected. This underdiagnosis delays treatment and worsens patient outcomes.

By enabling early and accurate identification of emphysema patients through AI analysis of routine CT scans, the SeleCT™ Screening program tackles this gap head-on. As Dr. Kyle Hogarth of the University of Chicago Medicine notes, such technology expedites connecting patients to life-improving treatments.

Strategic Partnership and Commercial Impact

For 4DMedical, an Australian medical technology company specializing in respiratory imaging, this partnership with Olympus is a pivotal commercial milestone. It establishes Olympus as a key channel partner, scaling 4DMedical’s technology across major US health systems and expanding its role in interventional respiratory care, a sector with significant growth potential.

4DMedical’s CEO Andreas Fouras highlighted the real-world impact of this collaboration, emphasizing enhanced diagnosis, therapy guidance, and improved patient outcomes. The campaign also underscores the value of 4DMedical’s patented XV Technology®, which dynamically quantifies lung ventilation and supports precise disease stratification.

Looking Ahead

While the announcement does not disclose financial terms or adoption metrics, the full market release signals strong confidence in the technology’s clinical utility and commercial viability. As the program scales, its success will likely depend on adoption rates, reimbursement pathways, and demonstrable improvements in patient outcomes.

Overall, the Olympus-4DMedical partnership exemplifies how AI and advanced imaging can transform respiratory care, offering hope for millions affected by COPD and emphysema.

Bottom Line?

This US-wide AI screening rollout could redefine emphysema diagnosis and treatment, but adoption and outcomes remain key watchpoints.

Questions in the middle?

• How quickly will major US health systems adopt the SeleCT™ Screening program?
• What reimbursement models will support widespread use of 4DMedical’s AI technology?
• Can this screening approach demonstrably improve long-term patient outcomes in emphysema?