AI system prescribes acne treatment based on photographs

Nolla Derm, an artificial intelligence system developed by New York-based startup Nolla Health, has received authorization in Utah to prescribe acne treatment to adult patients based on photographs, without requiring a doctor to intervene in every case.

Regulators consider the startup’s approach a controlled trial of medical artificial intelligence.

The process follows several steps. Users first complete a questionnaire and then take photographs of their faces through the application. The algorithm analyzes their answers and skin images before selecting a treatment from a limited list of medications and topical regimens previously approved by physicians. If a case falls outside these predefined parameters, the system refers the patient to a specialist.

The system’s autonomy will be introduced in stages. For the first 100 patients, a physician will review prescriptions before they are issued. For the next 500 patients, the AI system will be allowed to prescribe treatments independently, while a doctor reviews medical reports daily. Oversight will then move to selective weekly reviews.

According to data released by Nolla, the system’s recommendations matched those of specialist physicians in 96% of cases. However, these figures were provided by the company itself, and independent verification has not yet been reported.

The application is currently available only to Utah residents aged 18 and older. Treatment is reviewed monthly, and patients can consult a physician whenever necessary.