Lux DS and the Centre for Clinical Innovations at the University of Dundee have received a grant for the development of the Carivis photonics-based device for the assessment of dental disease.
The Technology Strategy Board (TSB), which awarded the grant, selected Lux DS from more than a hundred companies that submitted proposals for the 'Technologies for Health' competition, organised by the TSB in order to improve healthcare provision.
The finalists, including Lux DS, will share approximately GBP10m for the development of technologies.
Carivis is a clinical device that is intended to allow dentists to accurately visualise active tooth decay.
The key is to identify active decay earlier, more accurately and in hard-to-access surfaces, such as between the teeth and in fissures.
Carivis assesses the activity of caries lesions in one visit to the dental practice, as well as assisting in monitoring the continuing effect of preventive measures to arrest the activity of these lesions.
The Carivis caries assessment system is based on Glowdent: a compound that emits light in the presence of active tooth decay.
Along with its continuing partnership with the Centre for Clinical Innovations at the University of Dundee, Lux DS is working across the dental industry to apply the abilities of Glowdent from the clinic and dental research laboratory to the home diagnostics market.
Dr Artin Moussavi, Lux DS Innovate's chief executive officer, said: 'The Carivis system for assessment of caries activity focuses on managing the disease by giving dental practitioners the unprecedented ability to look into its early stages and offer preventive solutions to the patient.
'The funding received from the TSB is expected to significantly accelerate progress towards the regulatory approval of Carivis, allowing us to bring its benefits to the dental chair,' he added.
