Israeli startup, medical innovation center to jointly develop saliva test for oral cancer

The Israeli start-up Salignostics and the Arc Innovation Center at Sheba Medical Center announce a collaboration to develop a saliva-based test for early diagnosis of oral cavity cancer.

The test will be one of the first in the world to provide early detection of oral cavity cancer and to diagnose other cancers based on saliva samples, according to a Sheba Medical Center press release.

“Early detection may increase the chance of extending the lives of oral cavity cancer patients and recovery,” says Dr. Guy Krief, co-founder and deputy CEO of Salignostics.

Every year, more than 400,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with oral cavity cancer. Of those, 50% have an estimated 5-year survival rate. A saliva-based test will enable doctors to detect the disease in its early stages before it has spread.

Salignostics launched Salistick, the first-ever saliva-based pregnancy test, last year in several European countries. It has been sold in Israel since March. The company also developed several rapid saliva tests, including for COVID-19.

“If the development is successful, the path will be opened to diagnose additional types of cancer, which may prolong and save many lives,” Krief says.