Berlin, Germany - January 7, 2025

For years, the idea that "AI will replace radiologists" has been largely speculative. Today, a groundbreaking study provides the first real-world evidence of artificial intelligence's potential to transform breast cancer screening. The PRAIM (PRospective multicenter observational study of an integrated artificial intelligence (AI) system with live Monitoring) Study, conducted by Vara and the University of Lübeck, demonstrates that integrating AI into screening workflows can improve breast cancer detection rates by 17.6%, without increasing false positives.

PRAIM stands out as the most ambitious AI radiology project to date, involving 500,000 participants across Germany. As the first nationwide study to deploy AI in Germany's National Screening Program, it far surpasses previous studies that relied on retrospective data or small, controlled lab settings.

Key findings include:

• AI integration improves cancer detection rates and significantly reduces radiologists' workloads.

• Radiologists spent 43% less time interpreting AI-tagged normal examinations.

• In a simulated scenario where radiologists didn't interpret AI-labeled normal mammograms (56.7% of all scans), cancer detection rate still improved by 16.7%, while reducing recalls by 15%.

That this success was achieved in Germany is particularly significant, as the country has often been criticised for lagging behind the US and China in AI innovation - particularly in women’s health.

Professor Alexander Katalinic, Head of the Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of Lübeck and lead investigator of the study, stated: "The results are extremely positive and have exceeded our expectations. We can now demonstrate that AI significantly improves the cancer detection rate in screening for breast cancer."

Stefan Bunk, CTO of Vara, added: "The PRAIM study is a testament to the vast potential of AI in improving breast cancer screening. We are confident that the results will elevate the discussion about AI-assisted mammography screening, paving the way for wider adoption in health systems globally."

PRAIM marks a pivotal moment in integrating AI into medical practice, clearly demonstrating how strategic use of the technology can transform breast cancer screening programs by improving detection and efficiency. The study sets the stage for major advancements in clinical practice, and highlights the need for political recognition and support to further leverage AI’s potential in real-world healthcare settings.

About Vara

Vara is a healthcare technology company revolutionizing breast cancer screening with AI, founded in 2018 by Jonas Muff, CEO and Stefan Bunk, CTO. Headquartered in Berlin, Germany with offices in India, Vara's AI-powered software enhances accuracy and efficiency in breast cancer detection, identifying 43% more cancers that radiologists might miss while reducing their workload by up to 73%. With multiple publications, including Lancet Digital Health, Vara’s approach significantly outperforms average radiologists. Integrated into Germany's National Breast Cancer Screening Program, Vara supports 40% of the country's screening centers, benefiting over 80,000 women monthly. Vara is backed by investors including Merantix, EQT Foundation, IBB and VI Partners. For more information, visit https://vara.ai/.

About Vi Partners

Vi Partners is the longest-established venture capital firm in Switzerland. For over 20 years, Vi Partners has supported innovative technology and healthcare companies, investing over CHF 350 million in 72 startups. Vi Partners-managed funds are backed by some of Switzerland’s most prominent companies and institutions, including ETH Zurich, ABB, Bühler, Credit Suisse, Hilti, McKinsey, Nestlé, Schindler, Sulzer, Suva, and ZKB, as well as the European Investment Fund and many other institutional investors.