ICMR to Develop the World's Cheapest TB Testing System

The new CRISPR Cas-based TB detection system can identify Mycobacterium TB using DNA from a patient's saliva at a very low cost.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced to develop TB testing system, calling it to be the cheapest in the world.

This system, developed by the ICMR-Regional Medical Research Center Northeast (RMRCNE) Institute in Dibrugarh, is expected to be affordable, faster, and user-friendly testing technology for tuberculosis (TB) detection.

To commercialize this technology, the council has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) from organizations, companies, and manufacturers for the 'Transfer of Technology' of a CRISPR Cas-based TB detection system.

The new CRISPR Cas-based TB detection system can identify Mycobacterium TB using DNA from a patient's saliva at a very low cost. It can detect TB bacteria in individuals showing preliminary symptoms and test over 1,500 samples simultaneously within approximately two hours.

Researchers at the RMRCNE Institute have emphasized the system's simplicity, noting, "It is so simple that it can be used even in the primary health center of a village."

Addressing India's TB Crisis

TB remains a significant health challenge in India, claiming an estimated 480,000 lives annually, which equates to over 1,400 patients every day.

Additionally, the country has more than a million 'missing' TB cases each year that go unnotified. Many of these cases are either undiagnosed or inadequately diagnosed and treated in the private sector.

A senior Health Ministry official has pointed out that India's goal to achieve a rapid decline in TB morbidity and mortality and to eliminate TB by 2025 has plateaued.

To reboot the TB-free initiative with zero deaths, disease, and poverty resulting from TB, there is a move to rework the protocol, specifically focusing on TB medication and its duration.

Commercialization & Development Support

ICMR has developed the CRISPR Cas-based TB detection system and is authorized to enter into exclusive or non-exclusive agreements with eligible manufacturing companies for its licensing and commercialization.

These agreements will be governed by the ICMR IP Policy, as revised and approved by the competent authority. The council has stated that it will grant rights to companies to undertake further development, manufacture, sell, and commercialize the technology.

The ICMR-RMRCNE Institute will provide expert guidance and technical support throughout all phases of the production of the CRISPR Cas-based TB detection system.

"Such technical oversight by ICMR-RMRCNE Institute would accelerate the development of the product and its commercialization," noted the Council.

ICMR will offer technical support through its team of experienced scientists in study planning, product development, protocol development, results/data analysis, outcome assessment, safety and efficacy assessment, and product improvement, subject to mutual agreement with the collaborative company.

Additionally, ICMR, through its institutes, will facilitate R&D and clinical studies of the new technology or product in India. This will be done in collaboration with the company or institution involved under professional and mutually agreed-upon timelines and terms.

The council has clarified that it will have no financial implications unless otherwise specified in the agreement.