AI-powered chip to spot oral lesions early in primary care
Official title: AI-linked cytomics-on-a-chip to enable near-real time identification and management of oral lichenoid lesions in primary care
Funded at Oraliva, INC. · NIH-11321546 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new AI-based test using a tiny chip will help front-line clinicians identify oral lichenoid lesions early, potentially catching cancer sooner and lowering costs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oraliva, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Naples, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $697,404 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DE033934-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11321546 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with oral lesions or at risk for oral cancers who visit primary care, dental, or ENT settings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without oral lesions or who are not at risk for oral cancers may not benefit from this tool.
What this research studies
This project aims to bring an AI-enabled cytomics test to general practice so clinicians can identify risky oral lesions at the point of care. By combining a microchip with artificial intelligence, the tool analyzes cells from the mouth to differentiate benign, precancerous, and cancerous lesions. If successful, it could shorten diagnosis times, guide referrals, and reduce unnecessary procedures for patients. The work is designed to be used in everyday clinical settings, not just in specialized centers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the tool works well, patients could get earlier, more accurate diagnoses and faster access to appropriate care.
How similar studies have gone: Prior AI approaches exist but many are not suited for immediate point-of-care use; this project focuses on a practical, clinic-ready solution.
Where this research is happening
-
Oraliva, INC.
Naples, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Christodoulides, Nicolaos Joseph — Oraliva, INC.
- Study coordinator: Christodoulides, Nicolaos Joseph
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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.