Ataraxis, a company founded by Jan Witowski, has developed an AI-powered diagnostic test called Ataraxis Breast that aims to accurately assess whether a patient’s breast cancer is high risk or low risk. This test can provide doctors with valuable insight on whether aggressive treatment is necessary, potentially avoiding unnecessary chemotherapy for thousands of breast cancer patients each year. The company recently emerged from stealth mode and secured a $4 million seed round led by Giant Ventures and Obvious Ventures.
Witowski, along with chief science officer Krzysztof Geras, founded Ataraxis in 2023. Leveraging AI technology, the company has partnered with hospitals to train models on historic images of tumors in over 4,500 breast cancer patients. By combining different prediction models and utilizing self-supervised learning techniques, Ataraxis was able to develop Ataraxis Breast with high accuracy, using less data and compute power compared to other approaches. The company plans to continue validating its model and expanding its product line to include AI-powered insights for treating other types of cancers.
Ataraxis’s test results have not yet been peer-reviewed but were published on pre-print server Arxiv this week, showing up to 30% more accuracy than current lab tests. The company’s goal is to provide information and answers in areas where alternatives are lacking, aiming to revolutionize clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes. With the support of investors and advisors like Yann LeCun, Ataraxis is at the forefront of using AI to enhance healthcare systems and tailor treatments more effectively than ever before.
The development of Ataraxis Breast was made possible through the collaboration between Witowski, Geras, and their team, as well as the use of innovative AI techniques and technologies. By training models on thousands of patient images and combining prediction models, Ataraxis was able to create a test that can accurately assess the risk of breast cancer patients, potentially sparing many from unnecessary chemotherapy. With plans to expand its offerings and continue refining its models, Ataraxis aims to start providing its software to doctors by early 2025.
As the company continues to evolve and grow, it will play a crucial role in transforming clinical decision-making and improving patient care outcomes. By leveraging AI technology and developing innovative solutions, Ataraxis is poised to make a significant impact in the field of oncology, providing valuable insights and guidance for healthcare professionals treating cancer patients. With a mission to provide answers and information where alternatives are lacking, Ataraxis is setting a new standard for precision medicine in the fight against cancer.
