Detecting Sjögren’s Disease and Sicca Syndrome through saliva testing
Official title: Saliva Anti-SSA/Ro and Anti-SSB/La for Early Detection of Sjögren’s and SICCA Syndromes
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11055238 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new saliva test to help find Sjögren’s Disease and its early signs more easily, so people can get the right treatment sooner without needing a blood test.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $260,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE033901-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055238 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing symptoms of Sjögren’s Disease or Sicca Syndrome, particularly those who have not yet received a definitive diagnosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with Sjögren’s Disease or Sicca Syndrome may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a saliva-based test to detect Sjögren’s Disease (SjD) and its precursor, autoimmune-Sicca Syndrome (AI-Sicca), which are often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late. The study utilizes an innovative electrochemical assay called electric field-induced release and measurement (EFIRM) to identify specific autoantibodies in saliva, providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional blood tests. By analyzing saliva samples, the research aims to improve early detection and risk assessment for these autoimmune conditions, potentially leading to timely treatment for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and better management of Sjögren’s Disease and Sicca Syndrome, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggests that similar saliva-based testing approaches have shown promise in detecting Sjögren’s Disease, indicating potential for success in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wong, David T — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Wong, David T
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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.