AI-powered Renal Pathology Platform with 3-D Imaging
Official title: AI-Enabled Expansion Microscopy Platform for Renal Pathology
Funded at Panluminate INC. · NIH-11409973 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new AI-assisted imaging platform uses expanded microscopy to provide integrated, multiplexed kidney biopsy analysis to help diagnose podocytopathies like FSGS, MN, and MCD.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Panluminate INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $354,958 |
| NIH project number | 1R44DK148299-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11409973 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with suspected podocytopathies undergoing kidney biopsy (FSGS, MN, or MCD) and whose archival biopsy samples can be analyzed.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose biopsy samples are unsuitable for pan-ExM or who are not diagnosed with podocytopathies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to combine pan-Expansion Microscopy with automation and AI interpretation to read kidney biopsy samples in one workflow. It will validate diagnostic accuracy against standard methods using 100 archived biopsies, and develop a bench-top instrument that automates labeling and imaging. A supervised AI model will assist pathologists by providing real-time classifications and severity scores. If successful, the platform could shorten diagnostic times, reduce costs, and improve care for patients with kidney diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If this platform proves accurate, patients could receive faster and more precise diagnoses from their kidney biopsies, guiding timely treatment decisions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed pan-ExM protocols and AI-assisted pathology workflows; this project builds on those advances in a clinically relevant setting.
Where this research is happening
-
Panluminate INC.
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: M'saad, Ons — Panluminate INC.
- Study coordinator: M'saad, Ons
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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.