Brent Ifemembi, Co-founder and CEO, Drūl

Developing Timely Tech for Your Teeth

Lots of tests exist for early detection of various health issues using biomarkers, but relatively few of those efforts have gone into our mouths. As the co-founder and CEO of Drūl, Brent Ifemembi (ENG 2018, 2019) invented a biomarker testing device with his co-founder and CTO, Nelson Ndahiro. The test measures pathogenic bacteria to detect early-stage cavities and gum disease, and delivers results quickly so dentists have information about emerging problems they can’t see yet, while a patient is still in the chair.

“Other lab-developed tests exist, but they’re expensive and results take two weeks or a month,” Brent says. “As we gear up for our commercial launch, we want to reduce that time to about 30 minutes so you can get these results while the patient is in the office for an appointment. ​​Then, you don’t have to rely on the patient to come back in for a follow-up visit, which is where a lot of attrition happens.”

The testing device detects a smaller subset of bacteria, about 700 possible types based on their DNA, both useful and harmful. AI and machine learning identify these drivers of dental disease, and can also create personalized treatment plans. Brent’s brand of salivary diagnostics could supplement X-rays, which can only detect cavities at a later stage when the loss to the tooth enamel is already significant.

“We're excited that we think that with our method we can detect earlier stages, and that can also help increase patient education and patient compliance,” he says.

Pilot programs to test the Drūl technology are underway now in Boston. And, it’s a launch with lots of momentum. Brent is both an Activate Fellow and a Johns Hopkins University President's Venture Fellow, both selective programs that foster early-career talent with entrepreneurial goals to incubate new companies like Drūl to improve dental care through technology.

Story by Elizabeth Speed