DISC Health Equity Action Lab
Drūl, an innovative health-tech startup founded by Dr. Nelson Ndahiro and Dr. Brent Ifemembi, uses advanced saliva-based diagnostics to quantify harmful “Red Complex” bacteria. By shifting oral medicine from reactive treatments to proactive prevention, this automated technology detects disease risks early, protecting both dental implants and overall systemic health.
Drūl: Revolutionizing Dental Diagnostics with Saliva-Based Technology
Dr. Nelson Ndahiro and Dr. Brent Ifemembi, co-founders of Drūl, launched their health-tech startup while pursuing their PhDs at Johns Hopkins University (JHU). During the COVID-19 pandemic, they identified a critical gap in dental diagnostics. Leveraging their expertise—Dr. Ndahiro in biomanufacturing gene therapies and vaccines using machine learning, and Dr. Ifemembi in developing microfluidic technologies for cancer biomarker detection—they created a groundbreaking solution.
The Problem: A Need for Proactive Oral Health Diagnostics
The FDA defines a biomarker as “a defined characteristic that is measured as an indicator of normal biological processes” (FDA, 2024). Drūl integrates saliva-based diagnostics to shift oral medicine from reactive treatments to proactive, data-driven prevention. By quantifying key pathogens, such as the Red Complex bacteria, Drūl enables early detection of disease risks before symptoms appear.
What is the Red Complex?
The Red Complex, classified by Dr. Sigmund Socransky in 1998, consists of three highly pathogenic, anaerobic bacteria linked to periodontal disease:
- Porphyromonas gingivalis
- Tannerella forsythia
- Treponema denticola
These bacteria are rarely found in healthy mouths but are associated with systemic conditions, including:
- Cardiovascular Disease: Promotes arterial plaque formation and suppresses protective enzymes in blood vessels.
- Alzheimer’s Disease: DNA and toxins from P. gingivalis have been detected in the brain tissue of Alzheimer’s patients.
- Diabetes: Triggers inflammation that impairs insulin signaling and worsens blood glucose control.
- Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Found in the placenta and breast milk of infected individuals.
- Dental Implant Failure: Stimulates bone-eating cell activity (osteoclasts), leading to jawbone loss.
How Drūl Detects the Red Complex
Drūl’s innovative technology simplifies and enhances the detection process with these key features:
- Automated Sample Prep: Saliva is processed automatically, isolating DNA or target proteins from bacteria within the device—no manual lab steps required.
- Quantification: Unlike binary test outcomes, Drūl quantifies bacterial load. It identifies when P. gingivalis or T. denticola reach clinically significant levels that can trigger bone loss.
- DNA-Based Precision: Molecular methods distinguish harmful Red Complex strains from nonpathogenic bacteria with high specificity.
- Longitudinal Tracking: The quick, minimally invasive test allows patients to monitor their oral bacterial levels over time, similar to routine A1C tracking in diabetes.
Targeted Treatments for Red Complex Bacteria
When Drūl detects a high bacterial load, dental practitioners can move beyond standard cleaning protocols to focused biofilm management interventions:
- Laser Therapy (LANAP): Specific laser wavelengths kill dark-pigmented bacteria like P. gingivalis while preserving healthy tissue.
- Site-Specific Antibiotics: Antibiotic “chips” or gels are placed directly into pockets where the Red Complex bacteria hide, avoiding systemic side effects.
- Air-Polishing (Erythritol/Glycine): Specialized powders mechanically remove the biofilm matrix that shields these bacteria.
By objectively tracking bacterial levels, Drūl empowers patients and providers to measure the effectiveness of treatments and home hygiene practices.
Bridging Dental and Medical Health
Modern diagnostics like Drūl bridge the gap between dental and medical health. The same bacteria linked to gum disease are connected to systemic conditions, making oral health a critical component of overall well-being. Drūl’s technology fosters higher patient engagement by making treatment outcomes visible and actionable.
For more information, contact hello@justdrul.com.
Drūl for Dentists | Saliva Diagnostics for Better Care
The Narrative Matters!
References:
- Drūl: The Student‑Born Venture Transforming Oral Health Diagnostics (2026) https://pavacenter.jhu.edu/news/drul-the-student%e2%80%91born-venture-transforming-oral-health-diagnostics/
- MicrobeLinkDx. (November 11, 2025). Peri-Implantitis & Bacteria: Why Implants Fail and How to Protect Them | MicrobeLink Dx® Peri-Implantitis & Bacteria: Why Implants Fail and How to Protect Them | MicrobeLink Dx® – MicrobeLinkDX Implant Failure & Bacterial Testing | MicrobeLink Dx®
- Activate Foundation – Introducing Cohort 2024
https://activate.org/news/introducing-cohort-2024
- Johns Hopkins Tech Ventures – President’s Venture Fellowship Winners (2024)
https://ventures.jhu.edu/news/pava-center-announces-2024-presidents- venture-fellowship-and-innovation-entrepreneurship-challenge-winners/
5. (2026). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6. (2026). https://www.oraldna.com
7. (2026). https://www.justdrul.com
8. (2026). https://www.justdrul.com
9. (2026). https://www.oralhealthgroup.com
10. (2026). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
About
Lawrence Jones II, PhD.
Dr. Lawrence Jones II, Ph.D., is the founder and CEO of Biotechnology Health Management and Care LLC in Pikesville, MD. With a doctorate in Entrepreneurial Leadership from Regent University, his research focuses on entrepreneurial leadership in biotechnology. Dr. Jones has extensive academic and professional credentials, including degrees from Webster University, Johns Hopkins University, and UMBC, alongside certifications in entrepreneurship and business development.
Learn more about Lawrence Jones II, PhD.
Visit: biotechhmc.com
DISC Health
The Health Equity Action Lab (HEAL) is an initiative by Dynasty Interactive Screen Community aimed at addressing health disparities in the U.S. and globally. By engaging media and stakeholders, HEAL seeks to reduce health inequalities and raise awareness. Their approach includes overcoming socio historical barriers and confronting the institutional, social, and political factors that perpetuate healthcare inequality.
Learn more about the health education partnership:
Howard University Hospital (HUH)
Howard University Hospital, established in 1862 as Freedmen’s Hospital, has a rich history of serving African Americans and training top medical professionals. Located in Washington, D.C., it is the only teaching hospital on the campus of a historically Black university. HUH is a Level 1 Trauma Center and a critical healthcare provider for underserved populations. It offers advanced medical services, including robotic surgery, and has received numerous accolades for excellence in specialties like heart care, stroke treatment, and radiology.
Learn more about Howard University Hospital (HUH)
Howard University Faculty Practice Plan (FPP)
The Howard University Faculty Practice Plan is a multi-specialty physician group in Washington, D.C., dedicated to advancing healthcare and eliminating health disparities. It offers comprehensive services, including primary and specialty care, mental health, imaging, and cancer care, all connected to Howard University Hospital. FPP emphasizes patient-centered, respectful care for the diverse community and provides free health screenings and events to promote wellness.
Learn more about Howard University Faculty Practice Plan (FPP).
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