Arkstone Medical Solutions commissioned the study, which was conducted earlier this year in Peru.
The pharma industry continues to experiment with AI to see where it can be implemented to improve results and simplify workflows. Although many researchers in the industry have been working with algorithms and machine-learning technology for several years now, the recent expansion in AI tech from the public is pushing the industry to test the technology in any possible use case.
Arkstone Medical Solutions published a peer-reviewed study in Life that tested the use of AI and machine-learning in treating bloodstream infections, particularly in settings with a high risk of antimicrobial resistance.1 The study, titled “AI-Based Treatment Recommendations Enhance Speed and Accuracy in Bacteremia Management,” was conducted in Lima, Peru, and included 117 patients.
According to Akstone, the study showed that the technology could provide accurate therapeutics recommendations 29 hours faster than traditional methods. There was also a significant increase in pathogen and resistance detection.
In a press release, Arkstone’s chief science officer and study co-author Dr. Ari Frenkel said, “This research marks a major milestone for Arkstone's mission: to deliver faster, more precise, and more accessible antimicrobial stewardship through clinical decision support. With infectious diseases like sepsis, time is of the essence. Getting effective treatment started even one day earlier, let alone 29 hours earlier, can dramatically change patient outcomes."
In the same press release, Dr. Juan C. Gomez de la Torre, director of molecular informatics and clinical research at Arkstone and medical director at Roe Laboratory, added, “This is among the first studies to rigorously assess the reliability of molecular diagnostics integrated with AI-driven CDSS compared to traditional phenotypic testing. Our findings affirm that molecular diagnostics, when combined with robust antimicrobial stewardship, offer timely, precise guidance without compromising clinical accuracy."
Arkstone has a strong relationship with medical facilities in Peru. In February of this year, the company announced a partnership with Neslab to improve healthcare in Peru.2
In a press release issued at the time, Arkstone’s global partnerships manager Steve Brennan said, “Most healthcare systems outside of the United States are predominantly government managed. Our partnership with Neslab in Peru will allow us to reach a much broader patient population, far beyond private labs and clinics. This alliance reinforces our commitment to combating antimicrobial resistance on a global scale."
In the same press release, Frenkel added, “This partnership exemplifies our dedication to providing scalable solutions in the fight against antimicrobial resistance and bridging the gap in antimicrobial stewardship.”
Neslab’s general manager Martin Cuba also said, “This alliance marks a turning point in Peruvian healthcare, uniting local expertise with cutting-edge international technology to improve the lives of millions. We are pleased to welcome Arkstone as our strategic partner on this journey towards a healthier and technologically advanced future for all Peruvians."
Arkstone’s lead product is its OneChoice platform, which it utilized in Peru to update its healthcare practices. In February of this year, the company announced that it had added drug cost information to the platform.3
"Adding drug cost information to OneChoice reinforces Arkstone's mission of advancing antimicrobial stewardship and patient-centered care," said Frenkel said in a press release. “By integrating cost insights directly into OneChoice reports, we ensure that every prescription aligns with both medical efficacy and financial responsibility."
