An affordable tuberculosis testing technology developed by ICMR’s regional center in Dibrugarh, Assam, has been introduced. This innovative ‘CRISPR-based TB detection system’ uses a patient’s sputum and costs just Rs 35 per test. It is lightweight, portable, and involves a three-step process, capable of testing over 1,500 samples in approximately two-and-a-half hours, according to ICMR sources.
Traditional diagnostic methods for tuberculosis typically involve culture, which takes up to 42 days to confirm a negative result, as well as microscopy and nucleic acid-based techniques. These approaches are often time-consuming and may require advanced equipment.
An official stated, “Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a significant global health issue, highlighting the need for precise and swift diagnostic tools for effective disease management. Existing diagnostic methods often fall short in sensitivity, specificity, speed, and cost, underscoring the necessity for innovative solutions.”
Additionally, some molecular diagnostic methods, while offering improved sensitivity, may lack the desired specificity or face challenges associated with cost and ease of handling.
“Considering these problems, the CRISPR-Cas12a-based molecular diagnostic system ‘GlowTBPCRKit’ coupled with an amplification step (using thermal cycler) and the ‘RapidGlow device’ provides a promising solution,” the official said.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) for eligible organisations, companies, and manufacturers to undertake the ‘Transfer of Technology’ for the commercialisation of the ‘CRISPR-based TB detection system,’ designed for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
The ICMR-RMRCNE institute will offer expert guidance and technical support throughout all phases of the production of the ‘CRISPR Cas-based TB detection system.’
The institute’s technical oversight will expedite both the development and commercialisation of the product.
ICMR will also offer technical support through its team of experienced scientists for various stages, including study planning, product development, protocol creation, data analysis, outcome assessment, safety and efficacy evaluations, and product enhancement, as needed and based on mutual agreement with the collaborating company.
Through its institutes, the apex health research body would provide support and facilitation to conduct the research and development or clinical study of new technology or products in India through its affiliates or institutes, in collaboration with the company and institutions in a professional and mutually agreed upon manner and timelines.
