Jubaan: Streamlining Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer with Innovative Devices
The healthcare industry continually seeks innovative solutions to enhance the early detection and management of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Traditional diagnostic methods for these conditions often involve invasive procedures or rely heavily on pharmaceutical and chemical tests. As the field progresses, there is an increasing demand for non-invasive, accurate, and efficient diagnostic technologies that can improve patient outcomes and streamline medical processes.
Jubaan is at the forefront of this transformative shift with its development of a non-invasive AI imaging platform. This cutting-edge technology utilizes deep learning algorithms to analyze images of the human tongue, aiming to replace traditional tests like the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) and Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT). By mapping the oral cavity microbiome through spectral imaging, the platform offers a revolutionary approach to detecting gastrointestinal disorders, promising significant advancements in early diagnosis and patient care.
David Rainis, the Founder and CEO, brings a profound expertise in artificial intelligence to this initiative. His vision and leadership are pivotal in driving forward the company's mission to innovate GI disorder diagnostics and improve global healthcare standards.
AI-Powered Early Detection of GI Disorders
Jubaan is developing a non-invasive, AI imaging platform designed to detect gastrointestinal (GI) disorders through deep learning of images taken from the human tongue. This platform is based on the oral cavity microbiome mappings using spectral imaging and aims to replace the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) and Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT).
By leveraging advanced Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning technologies, Jubaan is poised to revolutionize the early detection of GI disorders. This innovation promises to save valuable resources for the healthcare industry and, more importantly, improve patient outcomes by providing timely and effective diagnoses.
Different sites within the body host distinct ecosystems of bacteria and other microorganisms. These microorganisms, collectively known as the microbiome, interact with their human host in significant ways. While the GI microbiome is generally beneficial, it can become problematic if the balance between the host and microorganisms is disrupted.
Given the ongoing challenges in preventing GI diseases, identifying new methods to detect early indicators of these conditions, which may be asymptomatic in their initial stages, is crucial. The presence of certain bacteria on the tongue can distinguish individuals with GI disorders from healthy individuals. By utilizing technology that can detect and analyze specific microbiomes on the tongue, medical practitioners will enhance the likelihood of early detection and intervention.
My background in AI is the most influential discipline - David Rainis
.png)
Streamlining Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer
Gixam™ is designed to be utilized by physicians, ranging from family doctors to GI specialists, eliminating the need for patients to conduct home tests. This shift saves medical labs valuable time, resources, and money. As a user-friendly, non-invasive device, Gixam™ is an ideal solution for significantly increasing compliance rates and advancing efforts to reduce worldwide instances of colorectal cancer.
By using Gixam™, the need for costly and time-consuming lab work is reduced. Additionally, with instant results, doctors can promptly determine the appropriate medical course, saving both patients and the healthcare industry time and resources.
Early detection is crucial for saving lives. Gixam™ aims to detect colorectal adenomas at their initial growth stage, whereas the commonly used FOBT/FIT test identifies adenomas at a later stage. By simplifying the testing process, Gixam™ is poised to become the leading alternative for pre-screening tests.
Optimizing Detection of Colorectal Adenomas
The liquid biopsy, offered by companies such as Guardant Health and Freenome, represents the most advanced diagnostic test for colorectal cancer (CRC) but yields poor results for detecting colorectal adenomas. In contrast, Gixam is the only medical device that demonstrates strong performance in identifying colorectal adenomas. The process of increasing performance is mainly done by utilizing sophisticated deep learning models that are trained by the experienced AI engineers in Jubaan, managed by Amit Cohen (CTO and VP R&D).
Navigating Certification and Reimbursement Challenges
The first and short-term challenge is to navigate the certification process with both the FDA and the European Market (MDR/CE). Clinical trials are being conducted at several sites in the United States, including Columbia University and NYU. Jubaan plans to start a European clinical trial at Erasmos MC in Rotterdam in Q4/2024.
The second and long-term challenge is to secure reimbursement processes in both North America and Europe. Jubaan has already initiated discussions with various entities and has begun the process of engaging with payers and insurers in the United States and Europe to replace the Fecal Occult Blood Test within their standard of care.
Regulatory Progress and Upcoming Trials in the US and Europe
Conducted by Daniella Bleistein (VP Clinical Trials and Regulatory affairs), David and Jubaan, outline their initial focus on the United States and European markets, addressing FDA and CE/MDR regulations respectively. Jubaan is currently in discussions with the FDA and has cleared the path for a De-Novo trial. In Europe, Jubaan has successfully cleared its Quality Management System and is prepared to begin the clinical trial in Erasmos Rotterdam.
Engaging Payers and Insurers through Specialists
David envisions engaging with payers and insurers in both the United States and Europe. This engagement is conducted through third-party entities that specialize in performing such activities.
Enhancing Performance through Data Collection and Algorithm Innovation
David highlights that the company is focused on two key areas to enhance ongoing performance. The first involves collecting additional data to feed into their deep-learning models, which are designed to predict colorectal adenomas. This data collection, now exceeding 16,000 patients, is crucial for improving model performance.
The second area is the advancement of Deep Learning algorithms and models through innovative approaches, led by Jubaan’s CTO Amit Cohen. Jubaan employs highly skilled deep-learning engineers who continuously work on enhancing these models by thinking out of the box and refining algorithms and hyperparameters to boost performance.
Collaborating with GI Device Manufacturers and Long-Term Diagnostic Goals
David is leading the company's efforts to engage with GI endoscopic device manufacturers for collaboration on colorectal adenoma care standards. Gixam™, the first medical device introduced for this type of screening, is expected to create significant synergy with these manufacturers. Historically, pre-screening tests have relied on pharmaceutical or chemical methods; however, as this is the first medical device introduced to this field, endoscopic device manufacturers, who specialize in medical devices, have shown interest in collaboration.
Revolutionizing GI Diagnostics and Reducing CRC Mortality
Jubaan's long-term goals include establishing a comprehensive diagnostic tool for GI disorders. The mission is to replace the FOBT (Fecal Occult Blood Test) globally, aiming to enhance the standard of care and reduce CRC mortality by at least 30% worldwide.
