Salimetrics wins NIH Phase I grant for saliva-based metabolic testing

Salimetrics has received an NIH SBIR Phase I grant to test whether insulin can be measured in dried saliva spots, a lower-burden sampling method aimed at expanding metabolic health research participation. The project is designed to reduce access barriers for rural and underserved communities and will run analytical and feasibility studies with community partners.

Why it matters: - The project could make metabolic health research easier to join by replacing more complicated sample collection methods with dried saliva spots. - A simpler collection method may reduce barriers for rural and underserved communities that often face added logistical hurdles. - If the approach proves feasible, it could broaden access to metabolic health assessment in research and, eventually, health care.

What happened: - Salimetrics, LLC received a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Institutes of Health. - The award supports development and evaluation of a new metabolic health assessment approach. - The grant was issued under NIH funding opportunity RFA-MD-24-006. - The program targets research that improves minority health and reduces health disparities. - Salimetrics said the project is intended to expand participation in metabolic health research.

The details: - The Phase I work will test the feasibility of measuring insulin in dried saliva spots. - The method is modeled in part on dried blood spot sampling. - Salimetrics will conduct analytical and feasibility studies during the phase. - The company will work with community partners across diverse participant groups. - The approach is designed to simplify sample collection, storage and transport. - The project also aims to reduce logistical barriers to research participation. - Steven W. Granger, Ph.D., chief scientific officer at Salimetrics, is the principal investigator. - The project team includes Douglas A. Granger, Ph.D., Benjamin Wiegand, Ph.D., James LaBelle, M.D., and consultants Jamila Stockman, Ph.D., Todd Lucas, Ph.D., and Karen Lindsay, Ph.D. - Salimetrics said its experience in salivary biomarker research and assay development supports the effort. - The company also said it has the infrastructure needed to translate biomarker technologies into scalable tools. - The initiative aligns with Salimetrics’ broader mission to reduce barriers to biological assessment.

Between the lines: - The study sits at the intersection of access and measurement, where easier sample collection can influence who is able to participate in research. - Focusing on saliva instead of blood could lower friction for both participants and research teams. - The grant also signals federal interest in methods that can help close health disparity gaps through more inclusive research design. - Granger said the immediate focus is generating evidence to guide responsible development and assess potential value in research and, ultimately, health care.

What's next: - Salimetrics will complete analytical testing and feasibility work during Phase I. - The company will use the findings to decide the next steps for research and development. - The team will also evaluate the approach with community partners and diverse participant groups. - More information is available in the company's announcement