Affidea Partners with Skin Analytics to Enhance Skin Cancer Detection

Affidea, a prominent provider of community-based healthcare services across Europe, has announced a strategic partnership with Skin Analytics, an innovative company specializing in artificial intelligence for dermatology. This collaboration aims to enhance access to skin cancer assessments through the implementation of advanced AI technology in various European countries.

The initial rollout of Skin Analytics’ AI medical device, known as DERM, commenced in Romania and Lithuania, with plans to expand to Greece by September 2025. Affidea selected these countries based on thorough market analysis and their readiness for innovation. The integration of DERM into existing skin cancer care pathways is designed to improve patient access to quality care while streamlining clinical workflows.

Dr. Charles Niehaus, Executive Director of Affidea Group, emphasized the significance of this partnership. “Integrating cutting-edge digital innovations into clinical practice is essential to delivering the best possible care for our patients,” he stated. The partnership with Skin Analytics is not merely about adopting new technology; it is about creating scalable solutions that empower patients and healthcare teams to efficiently address the rising demand for skin cancer care throughout Europe.

Neil Daly, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Skin Analytics, expressed pride in collaborating with Affidea as their first European partner. He highlighted that this partnership marks a significant step in transforming access to dermatology care by leveraging AI. “By combining Affidea’s clinical excellence with our proven technology, DERM, we have an opportunity to reimagine how skin cancer is identified and managed across the continent,” Daly noted. The collaboration aims to facilitate earlier diagnoses and enhance patient care.

Skin cancer poses a considerable public health challenge in Europe. According to data from GLOBOCAN 2022, the continent reports approximately 10.4 melanoma cases per 100,000 people. The incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers is even more alarming, with over 1.15 million cases documented in 2022. These numbers reflect a growing burden, as age-standardised rates for melanoma have increased significantly over recent decades.

About DERM and Its Impact

DERM operates under a Class III CE mark and serves as an AI Medical Device (AIaMD) designed for the screening and assessment of skin lesions that may indicate skin cancer. The device analyzes dermoscopic images and provides a suspected diagnosis along with referral recommendations when necessary. It is specifically indicated for use in patients aged 18 and over.

The deployment of DERM in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has already seen impressive results, having processed more than 180,000 patient cases and identifying over 15,500 cancers. With a negative predictive value of 99.9% for ruling out melanomas, DERM enhances clinical decision-making and improves patient access to timely care.

Affidea and Skin Analytics: Leaders in Healthcare Innovation

Affidea operates over 410 centres in 15 countries, catering to more than 14 million patient visits annually. The organization is dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare services, including cancer care and advanced diagnostic imaging. Founded in 1991, Affidea is majority-owned by Groupe Bruxelles Lambert (GBL), which focuses on long-term value creation.

Skin Analytics, established in 2012, aims to improve cancer survival rates through enhanced access to dermatology services. Since its inception, it has introduced teledermatology services and currently operates in 27 NHS sites across the UK. The company’s innovative DERM technology has demonstrated its effectiveness by significantly reducing the need for face-to-face dermatologist appointments.

Through this partnership, Affidea and Skin Analytics are set to revolutionize skin cancer care in Europe, making strides toward early detection and improved patient outcomes. The collaboration represents a critical advancement in the fight against skin cancer, addressing a pressing public health concern while showcasing the potential of AI in healthcare.