Iowa City, September 26, 2024 – University of Iowa Health Care and Naitive Technologies Ltd. are excited to announce a joint project to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of OsteoSight™, an FDA-designated breakthrough medical device designed to opportunistically identify people at risk of low bone mineral density (BMD) using X-rays taken for other reasons. OsteoSight™ aims to enhance the early detection of osteoporosis, a condition affecting millions globally, and enable more timely interventions.

The primary focus of this project is to evaluate the accuracy of OsteoSight™ in identifying individuals at risk of low BMD, as compared to the current gold standard dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan (DEXA). The study will also investigate any potential biases in the machine learning model and evaluate the reasons behind any instances of failed image processing. The study will utilize up to 2,500 hip and pelvic X-ray images taken within 12 months of a DEXA scan.

“All efforts to diagnose and treat osteoporosis are important. Using technology to assess bone health from standard imaging may give us an opportunity to assess bone health earlier and intervene sooner—before the first fracture occurs," says Lori Fitton, PhD, ARNP, a nurse practitioner with University of Iowa Health Care Orthopedics and Rehabilitation.

Osteoporosis is a huge global health challenge. Every year, it leads to 37 million fractures and costs health systems billions [1]. It is widely underdiagnosed and undertreated, and uptake of screening, which uses DEXA, is low. Many cases are only diagnosed when it's too late, and a fracture has already occurred.

Patient involvement is a vital part of this project, and the researchers will collaborate with an engaged group of patients at the University of Iowa. Their involvement will provide valuable insights into the lived experiences of patients with osteoporosis and will enhance the study's overall impact.

"We are thrilled to work with the team at University of Iowa Health Care on this project," said John Connell, PhD, Principal Scientist at Naitive Technologies. "Our goal is to make early detection more accessible, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life, and this study will help us ensure OsteoSight™ is as effective as possible."

For more information about this project or to learn more about OsteoSight™ please contact Dr. John Connell at john.connell@naitive.com


About University of Iowa Health Care
University of Iowa Health Care, Iowa’s only comprehensive academic health system, leads the way in improving health care by providing the most advanced care for patients in Iowa, educating the next generation of physicians, and making new biomedical research discoveries. The nearly 20,000 faculty and staff who are part of UI Health Care share a commitment to care for all Iowans, with a mission of changing medicine and changing lives.


About Naitive Technologies
Naitive® is a venture-capital-backed enterprise at the forefront of population health innovation. Focusing on musculoskeletal health, we specialize in advanced digital technologies that enhance clinical capabilities in the detection, diagnosis, treatment, and management of chronic diseases. Our groundbreaking tools address conditions like osteopenia and osteoporosis, which contribute to millions of debilitating fractures each year, imposing severe human and economic costs.

Our flagship technology, OsteoSight™, emerged from an urgent clinical need to mitigate the incidence of fractures associated with osteoporosis. This innovative software supplements routine X-rays and integrates opportunistic assessments of bone mineral density into care pathways, improving patient outcomes. The FDA's Breakthrough Device Designation for OsteoSight™ in 2023 underscores its significance in meeting a critical healthcare need.