A Japanese company called Iris has developed an AI system called Nodoca that uses a compact camera to analyze images of the pharynx and return an influenza assessment in under 10 seconds. This new technology eliminates the need for traditional nasal swabs, which can be uncomfortable for patients.

The device received approval as a 'new medical device' in Japan in 2022 and has since been introduced to over 2,000 medical institutions. In October 2025, it was also approved for use in detecting symptoms related to COVID-19.

Sho Okuyama, the founder of Iris, explains that the real differentiator is how the data is acquired: ‘The real differentiating factor lies in sensing—how the data is acquired. We developed our own hardware and ventured into the area of pharyngeal images, which no one had touched.’

The accuracy of Nodoca has improved rapidly as it continues to be used clinically. The number of throat images collected by the company has grown exponentially, creating a network effect that makes it difficult for competitors to enter the market.

Looking ahead, Okuyama envisions AI being integrated into every stage of healthcare from medical interviews and online consultations to in-person care and specialist treatment. His goal is to make this a reality through regulatory reform and active lobbying.