Many Malaysians may be unaware that they are at risk of osteoporosis, as the condition can develop silently without noticeable pain or symptoms until a fracture occurs. A survey by the Bone Health Alliance Malaysia found that 82% of 807 respondents did not know when they should begin assessing their bone health, highlighting the importance of improving awareness and encouraging earlier preventive assessment.

To address this gap, BREGO Life Sciences has partnered with Sunway Medical Centre Penang to incorporate AI-assisted bone health risk assessment into the hospital’s routine health screening process. The initiative aims to identify potential bone health risks among individuals who may not have specifically sought assessment for osteoporosis or other bone-related conditions.

As part of the collaboration, Sunway Medical Centre Penang has integrated VeriOsteo OP, an AI-assisted bone mineral density risk assessment software developed by Acer Medical, into its existing chest X-ray workflow. Patients can continue with routine chest X-rays as part of their health screening, while the technology provides clinicians with an additional risk assessment that may help identify individuals who could benefit from further evaluation.

Since its introduction in April 2026, the technology has been used to screen 2,954 individuals aged 21 and above through routine chest X-rays. Following clinical review, 81 individuals were referred for formal DEXA assessment. These patients had initially visited the hospital for general health screening rather than suspected bone health problems, demonstrating how integrating risk assessment into routine healthcare encounters could potentially uncover risks that might otherwise go unnoticed.

BREGO Life Sciences Founder Dr. Danny Wong said the initiative addresses an important challenge in preventive healthcare by helping individuals identify potential risks before symptoms emerge. Rather than requiring people to seek separate bone health assessments, the approach brings risk assessment into an existing healthcare setting and supports clinicians in determining appropriate next steps.

At Sunway Medical Centre Penang, DEXA remains the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis, while VeriOsteo OP serves as a clinical decision-support tool rather than a replacement for established diagnostic procedures. Any risk indication generated by the software is reviewed by a clinician alongside the patient’s medical history, medication use and other recognised risk factors before a decision is made on whether a formal DEXA examination is appropriate.

The approach may be particularly useful for individuals who face a higher risk of osteoporosis, including adults aged 50 and above, postmenopausal women, people undergoing long-term corticosteroid treatment and those with a significant family history of the condition. However, a higher-risk result from the AI-assisted assessment does not constitute a diagnosis and requires further clinical evaluation.

From a geriatric-care perspective, earlier identification of bone health risks could also help reduce the potential impact of fractures among older adults. Consultant Geriatrician and Physician at Sunway Medical Centre Penang, Dr. Low Chung Min, highlighted that osteoporosis can progress while patients continue to feel healthy, with the condition sometimes only being discovered following a fall or fracture.

Early assessment can provide healthcare professionals with an opportunity to evaluate patients while they remain active and independent. Depending on individual needs, follow-up measures may include DEXA assessment, falls prevention strategies, medication reviews, nutritional support, calcium and vitamin D intake, exercise and other interventions aimed at preserving bone strength, mobility and independence.

The integration of AI-assisted risk assessment into routine healthcare reflects a more proactive approach to bone health, making use of existing medical encounters to identify individuals who may otherwise be overlooked. The initiative also complements BREGO Life Sciences’ broader preventive-health efforts through BREGO Cares, which involves community-based bone health initiatives and primary care clinics across Malaysia.

As Malaysia’s population continues to age, greater awareness and earlier assessment could play an increasingly important role in reducing the impact of osteoporosis. Through the collaboration, BREGO Life Sciences and Sunway Medical Centre Penang aim to demonstrate how AI-assisted technology can complement established clinical pathways, support targeted referrals and encourage Malaysians to take action on their bone health before a fracture occurs.