Dibrutgarh (Assam): The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has transferred an indigenously developed diagnostic technology to rapidly detect tuberculosis (TB) to a private firm for commercial production, according to an official release issued on Thursday.
The ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, North East (ICMR-RMRC NE) has announced the successful transfer of its indigenously developed CRISPR-Cas-based diagnostic technology for the ultra-sensitive and rapid detection of TB to the medical diagnostics firm for large-scale commercialisation.
The formal technology transfer to Meril Diagnostics was implemented through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). This development arrives at a crucial juncture as India intensifies its efforts towards the ambitious goal of TB elimination.
An official said, “Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health challenge, necessitating the development of accurate and rapid diagnostic tools for effective disease management. Current diagnostic methods often exhibit limitations in terms of sensitivity, specificity, speed and cost, emphasising the need for innovative approaches”.
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 now invited Expression of Interest (EoI) from eligible organisations, companies, manufacturers for undertaking ‘Transfer of Technology’ for commercialisation of the ‘A CRISPR case-based TB detection system’ for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
The ICMR-RMRCNE institute will provide expert guidance and technical support for the production of ‘A CRISPR Cas based TB detection system’ in all phases.
Such technical oversight by the institute would accelerate the development of the product and its commercialisation.
The ICMR would also provide technical support through its team of experienced scientists in study, planning, product development, development of study protocol, results or data analysis, outcome assessment, safety and efficacy assessment, product improvement, etc., if deemed fit upon the mutual understanding between ICMR and collaborative company.
The apex health research body through its institutes would provide support and facilitation to conduct the research and development or clinical study of new technology or product in India through its affiliates or institutes, in collaboration with the company and institutions in a professional and mutually agreed upon manner and timelines.
