Microbiome-based diagnostics: a new chapter in oncology
Microbiome-based diagnostics:
a new chapter in oncology
The oral microbiome is increasingly recognised as a clinically relevant biomarker in oncology. Disruptions in microbial populations have been linked to the presence and progression of epithelial cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
At TeraDx, we are developing a diagnostic solution that uses specific microbial signatures in saliva to support early detection. Our research focuses on key microbial taxa whose relative abundance correlates with cancer detection.
This approach offers a novel, biology-driven pathway for non-invasive cancer diagnostics.
A first step with
the greatest impact
A first step with the greatest impact
Head and neck cancer is one of the areas where non-invasive microbiome diagnostics can have the most immediate clinical value.
A first step with the greatest impact
Head and neck cancer is one of the areas where non-invasive microbiome diagnostics can have the most immediate clinical value.
A first step with
the greatest impact
Head and neck cancer is one of the areas where non-invasive microbiome diagnostics can have the most immediate clinical value.
HEAD AND NECK CANCER
IS THE 7TH MOST COMMON
CANCER WORLDWIDE
HEAD AND NECK CANCER IS THE 7TH MOST COMMON CANCER WORLDWIDE
+890,000
NEW CASES DIAGNOSED EACH YEAR+890,000
NEW CASES DIAGNOSED EACH YEAR450,000
ASSOCIATED DEATHS450,000ASSOCIATED DEATHS
The early detection challenge
in head and neck cancers
The early detection challenge in head and neck cancers
Despite this burden, early detection remains limited. Current diagnostic practices typically involve:
- Invasive procedures (biopsies, endoscopies)
- Delayed imaging or referral
- Low specificity in early-stage symptoms
These limitations often result in late-stage diagnosis, with associated decreases in survival rates and increased treatment costs. There is a clear need for tools that enable earlier, more accessible detection.
HEAD AND NECK CANCER IS THE 7TH
MOST COMMON CANCER WORLDWIDE
The early detection challenge
in head and neck cancers
Despite this burden, early detection remains limited. Current diagnostic practices typically involve:
- Invasive procedures (biopsies, endoscopies)
- Delayed imaging or referral
- Low specificity in early-stage symptoms
These limitations often result in late-stage diagnosis, with associated decreases in survival rates and increased treatment costs. There is a clear need for tools that enable earlier, more accessible detection.
+890,000
NEW CASESDIAGNOSED EACH YEAR
450,000
ASSOCIATED DEATHSTeraDx aims to support a streamlined, non-invasive diagnostic workflow for clinicians and healthcare systems
TeraDx aims to support a streamlined, non-invasive diagnostic workflow for clinicians and healthcare systems
Saliva
collection
via a standardised swab, in a primary or secondary care setting.
qPCR
analysis
targeting selected microbial DNA markers.
Automated
interpretation
using TeraDx's proprietary algorithm.
Diagnostic report
delivered in <24h
aiding triage and referral decisions.
Saliva collection
via a standardised swab, in a primary or secondary care setting.
qPCR analysis
targeting selected microbial DNA markers.
Automated interpretation
using TeraDx's proprietary algorithm.
Diagnostic report delivered in <24h
aiding triage and referral decisions.
No complex infrastructure. Fully compatible with standard hospital PCR systems.
Integrating microbiome into cancer screening
Integrating microbiome into cancer screening
Precision built
Into every test
Precision built
Into every test
Iryna Biliaieve
Pol
Hortal
Isabel Jiménez
Dr. Vicente Navarro
Founder & CSO
Dr. Vicente Navarro
CEO
Isabel Jiménez
Co-Founder
Iryna Biliaieva
Science-driven
Clinically guided
Science-driven
Clinically guided
TeraDx is built on over a decade of microbiota research and translational expertise.
Scientific lead:
Dr. Vicente Navarro (Bioithas, Chair of Human Microbiota at the San Antonio Catholic University of Murcia, and MiBioPath Microbiota Research Group at FISABIO), expert in infectious diseases and microbiome science with over 10 years of experience in translational research.
Strategic backing:
Zubi Labs, european venture builder leading impact-driven innovation.
Bioithas, Chair of Human Microbiota at the San Antonio Catholic University of Murcia, and MiBioPath Microbiota Research Group at FISABIO. Expert in infectious diseases and microbiome science with over 10 years of experience in translational research.
Isabel Jiménez is the CEO of TeraDx, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience in biotech and diagnostics across business development, marketing, and operations.
With a background in Organic Chemistry and advanced degrees in Biotechnology and Executive Marketing, she combines scientific expertise with strategic vision to drive healthcare innovation.
Iryna Biliaieva Koretska is a business executive with multinational experience in biotech and international commerce.
She holds a degree in Biotechnology, a Master’s in Biomedical Biotechnology, and a Master’s in International Commerce, blending scientific expertise with global business acumen.
Having worked in multinational companies and served in leadership roles such as director and administrator in Spanish firms, she combines strategic management skills with hands-on operational insight to drive innovation and cross-border growth.
Shape the future
of cancer detection
Shape the future
of cancer detection
TeraDx is currently in development and open to collaboration with:
- Hospitals interested in participating in validation studies.
- ENT, oncology and diagnostic departments exploring microbiome tools.
- Procurement teams evaluating new early detection technologies.
- Life sciences and diagnostics companies
If you’d like to learn more about the science, clinical potential or development timeline, we welcome the opportunity to connect.