Vigilant Biosciences, a developer of solutions that aid in the early detection and intervention of cancer, has received a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research grant of $219,454 from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

The 15-month grant will fund research by Vigilant Biosciences to develop a diagnostic test that utilizes optical imaging and an oral rinse to detect CD44, a tumor-initiating and stem cell-associated biomarker for oral cancer.

Vigilant Biosciences’ current product line is based on patented technology that measures a combination of CD44 and total protein levels—markers clinically validated to be associated specifically with oral cancer when measured in an oral rinse—to aid clinicians in the early detection and intervention of oral cancer.

The Phase I preclinical study will include in vitro work as well as human tissues from cancer patients and patients with benign disease of the throat.

Source: Dentaltown