Recognize OPSCC: a saliva test to spot HPV-related throat cancer early
Official title: Point of Care Detection of HPV and P16 in Saliva
Funded at Innotech Precision Medicine, INC · NIH-11389274 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A quick, saliva-based test used in doctors’ offices could detect HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer (OPSCC) in minutes, helping people get faster care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Innotech Precision Medicine, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 8, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,069,047 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DE033312-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11389274 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for OPSCC or with suspicious symptoms or lesions could be eligible.
✕Less likely to help
People without OPSCC or those unable to provide a saliva sample might not benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops Recognize OPSCC, a point-of-care test that patients can provide saliva for and that uses AI-assisted analysis to detect OPSCC markers. It combines a compact device with a disposable cartridge to deliver genotypic (HPV types) and phenotypic cancer markers in about 30 minutes. The goal is to offer a non-invasive alternative to biopsy that can be used in routine clinics to catch OPSCC earlier. Researchers will optimize the optical detection system and validate the test using clinical specimens to ensure accuracy in real-world settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could enable faster, less invasive early detection of OPSCC and quicker treatment decisions for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous methods have struggled with non-invasive early detection; this approach is promising but requires proving real-world effectiveness.
Where this research is happening
-
Innotech Precision Medicine, INC
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khosravi-Far, Roya — Innotech Precision Medicine, INC
- Study coordinator: Khosravi-Far, Roya
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.