NA-NOSE

A technology that detects volatile compounds from breath

Innovation Website

Target

What is the challenge ?

Early detection of lung cancer requires a long series of tests as well as often invasive procedures. Lung cancer and respiratory tract infections are ranked 20th in the list of causes of the global burden of disease. (3)

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Is it innovative ?

With a high degree of precision, Na-Nose technology detects volatile compounds using breath only, allowing for early and detailed diagnosis. The technology can also be paired with smartphones to form the SNIFFPHONE, which can be used in remote areas. Using the SNIFFPHONE to detect cancer would greatly shorten the diagnostic process, making it almost instantaneous. The diagnosis could be made automatically and thus reduce the work intensity of health professionals. (20)

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How does it work ?

  • Studies demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of Na-Nose technology in the early diagnosis of lung cancer. The tests distinguished healthy patients from lung cancer patients with 85% accuracy and divided the early stages from the advanced stages with 79% accuracy. (16-19)
  • Studies predict that the SNIFFPHONE could also be used to diagnose and track other cancers or respiratory diseases. (16-19)
  • Because it includes a smartphone, the SNIFFPHONE system can be used in rural areas or in developing countries where costly traditional equipment is not available or accessible. This innovation could therefore contribute to a fair and more equitable model of care. (20)
Cost

How much does it cost ?

  • No studies have been conducted on the cost and the use of Na-Nose technology at this time and a potential sale price is not yet established. However, it is estimated that the SNIFFPHONE (or other Na-Nose technologies) will be less expensive than the currently used technologies. (21)
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What is the environmental impact ?

  • It is expected that the SNIFFPHONE device will consume little energy. However, there is not enough information on the characteristics of the product to determine its true environmental impact. (20)
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What is the approval status ?

  • Na-Nose technology is not commercially available at this time and could only be used in a laboratory setting prior to the invention of the SNIFFPHONE. Food and Drug Administration tests are underway in the United States and could take a few years to complete. (20)

 

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