AI Colonoscopy Tool Could Catch More Polyps

Adults due for colorectal screening may see real-time polyp detection once the device reaches U.S. clinics.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Cancer

Bold flat-color vector editorial illustration of a single flexible endoscope with its tip curled on a pale tray, in teal and cream with coral accents. — The FDA has cleared Magentiq-Colo, an AI tool that flags precancerous polyps in real time during colonoscopy, with U.S. clinic availability still pending. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you trust an AI tool to help your doctor catch polyps during a colonoscopy?

The FDA has cleared Magentiq-Colo, an AI-powered colonoscopy tool that flags adenomas (precancerous growths) in real time during the procedure. The device was previously approved in Israel and Europe, and its maker plans to distribute it in the U.S. through a subsidiary and agent network still being established.

Why it matters

Missed polyps are a known source of colorectal cancer, so a tool that helps endoscopists find more adenomas could affect prevention for the millions of Americans who undergo colonoscopy each year. The clearance matters now because U.S. availability is a next step rather than an immediate option.

The validation study enrolled more than 950 patients and involved 29 endoscopy experts, with the manufacturer reporting a 26% relative increase in adenoma detection (7% absolute). Reported reductions of 35% in mortality and 21% in colorectal cancer occurrence are described as study outcomes, but the study design and comparison group are not detailed in the available reporting.

The players

Magentiq-Eye

Israeli medical technology company that developed Magentiq-Colo, an AI-assisted colonoscopy system aimed at improving polyp detection.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The U.S. federal agency that regulates medical devices and grants 510(k) clearance for devices shown to be substantially equivalent to approved products.

The details

The device analyzes the colonoscopy video feed in real time and highlights areas that may be adenomas, giving the endoscopist a second set of eyes during the exam. Adenomas are benign growths that can progress to cancer over time, so catching them during the procedure allows them to be removed before they become a problem. The tool is intended to reduce the chance that a polyp is overlooked, which the reporting estimates underlies 8% to 10% of colorectal cancers.

Mid-2021: Israel AMAR and European CE Mark approvals were received.
2022: The validation study with more than 950 patients was conducted.
November 3, 2026: FDA clearance was reported.

Health Landscape

Colonoscopy remains the standard screening tool for colorectal cancer, and the 510(k) clearance of Magentiq-Colo places an AI detection layer alongside that procedure rather than replacing it. The move reflects a broader push to reduce missed adenomas, which the reporting ties to a meaningful share of colorectal cancers.

If you are due for a colonoscopy, it is worth asking your gastroenterologist whether AI-assisted detection is available at your facility once the technology reaches U.S. practices. Because the tool is not yet on the U.S. market, current screening should continue on the schedule your doctor recommends.

The takeaway

Polyp detection is central to preventing colorectal cancer, so technology that helps doctors spot adenomas during colonoscopy is a meaningful development. Ask your physician about recommended screening intervals and what detection tools your clinic uses.