OmicXScreen: AI-powered blood test to detect liver and esophageal cancers early
Official title: OmicXScreen: AI/ML-Powered, DNA Methylation Profiling Test for Early HCC and Esophageal Cancer Detection
Funded at Omicxhealth, INC. · NIH-11404601 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new blood test using AI and DNA methylation patterns aims to detect hepatocellular carcinoma and esophageal cancer early, helping people who are at high risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Omicxhealth, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Ramon, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $405,305 |
| NIH project number | 1R43CA310377-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11404601 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at high risk for HCC and/or esophageal cancer due to risk factors like chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, GERD, or Barrett’s esophagus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without elevated risk or without a cancer signal in cfDNA methylation may not benefit from this screening.
What this research studies
This project develops a flexible, blood-based screening test that uses cfDNA methylation and AI/ML to flag signals of liver cancer (HCC) or esophageal cancer (EAC/ESCC) in high-risk individuals. It seeks to improve early detection where current methods are limited by sensitivity, cost, or invasiveness. The approach emphasizes adaptability to new biomarkers and clinical contexts, potentially enabling more timely interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the test could allow earlier cancer detection and treatment, potentially improving survival and quality of life for patients at risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous liquid biopsy approaches have shown promise but need higher sensitivity/specificity for routine clinical use; this project proposes a more adaptable, AI-driven solution.
Where this research is happening
-
Omicxhealth, INC.
San Ramon, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Subharam, Mythili — Omicxhealth, INC.
- Study coordinator: Subharam, Mythili
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.