Via Oncology finds path to acquisition

Via Oncology, a US-based cancer care management platform spun out of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), was acquired by Elsevier, the information analytics subsidiary of conglomerate RELX, on Wednesday.

Financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed. Via Oncology’s top management will remain with the company.

Founded in 2009, Via Oncology has built a platform for cancer centres to help patients, physicians and payers take optimal treatment decisions and follow best practices. The advice is delivered at the point of care and is integrated with electronic medical records.

The platform relies on evidence-based advice from committees of oncologists and covers 95% of cancer types currently treated in the US, providing clinical pathways to more than 1,500 cancer care providers across 28 states in the country.

The platform is also able to educate patients, triage nurses, track and manage symptoms, identify clinical trials and provide cost information analytics.

Elsevier expects Via Oncology’s offering will enhance its own product range, particularly related to the Clinical Solutions group that supports providers in improving outcomes, reducing clinical errors and optimising cost.

Via Oncology has not disclosed any funding. It was spun out of UPMC by its commercialisation arm, UPMC Enterprises, based on research that had begun in 2004.

Tal Heppenstall, president of UPMC Enterprises, said: “We are pleased that Elsevier has recognised the value of Via Oncology’s successful technology, nurtured for more than a decade at UPMC, and will provide new avenues for the company’s growth and for improving the lives of patients.

“We share Elsevier’s vision of using data and technology to improve the quality and effectiveness of care and expect that we will find additional ways to mutually pursue these goals in the future.”