# Advancement of a Point-of-Need (PoN) platform device for accurate and destigmatized detection of recent cannabis use

> **NIH NIH R43** · RICOVR HEALTHCARE INC. · 2024 · $295,606

## Abstract

Project Summary
The overall goal of the proposed research is to create an effective and scalable monitoring device as a tool for
drug screening to decouple the stigma associated with Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) and cannabis
consumption, while enhancing public safety. Through the first truly point-of-need (PoN) device for accurate THC
quantification in saliva, XALIVA®, Ricovr Healthcare provides significant advances for drugs-of-abuse (DoA)
detection tools compared to what is currently on the market. Coupled with conventional counselor-delivered
intervention, XALIVA® will eliminate the burden of stigma in monitoring processes in workplaces, roadsides,
remote testing, and other public places (hospitals, schools), improving outcomes for patients by providing
sensitive, specific, and accurate detection of recent THC use, with a perfect fit with the window of impairment.
For this Phase I proposal, feasibility of a plasmonic fiber-optic absorbance biosensor (P-FAB) and the
immunoassay-based detection method with gold nanoparticle (AuNP) antibody conjugates to monitor THC levels
in oral fluid will be proven, and further development of the PoN device and workflow will be achieved. The
XALIVA® device is simple to use, requires no training, and its ability to detect a variety of analytes at ultra-
sensitive concentrations ranging from 1 fg/mL to 1 ug/mL has been already demonstrated. Ricovr Healthcare
solves the limitations of current THC saliva screening devices which are struggling with sensitivity ranges,
workflow, and cost. Further, Ricovr has distinct advantages compared to the current standard urine screening
devices, which only reveal metabolites rather than the parent compound, are invasive, stigma-loaded, take too
much time to result, and are easily manipulated.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10759597
- **Project number:** 1R43DA059318-01
- **Recipient organization:** RICOVR HEALTHCARE INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Joseph Seimetz
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $295,606
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-07-01 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10759597

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10759597, Advancement of a Point-of-Need (PoN) platform device for accurate and destigmatized detection of recent cannabis use (1R43DA059318-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10759597. Licensed CC0.

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