VIDA Diagnostics, Inc. ("VIDA"), the leader in precision pulmonary imaging, today announced an engagement to provide clinical imaging software and analysis services to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. 

VIDA Diagnostics was co-founded by Milan Sonka, Lowell C. Battershell Chair in Biomedical Engineering, professor of electrical and computer engineering, associate dean for graduate programs and research, and director of the Iowa Institute for Biomedical Imaging; Joseph Reinhardt, professor and departmental executive officer of biomedical engineering and image analysis group leader at the Iowa Institute for Biomedical Imaging; Eric Hoffman, professor of radiology and biomedical engineering and director, Iowa Comprehensive Lung Imaging Center; and the late Geoff McLennan, professor of medicine, radiology, and biomedical engineering.

"VIDA's leadership position was born from a vision of taking precision imaging from bench to bedside," said Susan A. Wood, Ph.D., President and CEO of VIDA.  "It is both thrilling and fitting that the University of Iowa is VIDA's first direct clinical sale. Together we will ensure that every pulmonary patient gets precision care."

VIDA's solution will support key pulmonary care initiatives at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, including lung cancer screening, interventional pulmonology and other precision healthcare efforts.  VIDA provides a quality-controlled image analysis service, with advanced analytical software, to provide clinicians rich quantitative lung measures that inform critical care decisions.  

VIDA's strong commercialization momentum is an early outcome of support from the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA).  VIDA was granted an IEDA Accelerate loan in February 2015 through the Iowa Innovation Acceleration Fund to aid the company in marketing and sales efforts. This loan was used to invest in early commercialization efforts and this opportunity with the University of Iowa marks the first commercial sale resulting from the State investment.