Mylab Introduces Newborn Screening Point-Of-Care Device 'MyNeoShield'

The device promises faster, more accessible and affordable screening methods to preserve lives and prevent lifelong illnesses. It accommodates all seven standard newborn screening tests conducted globally.

Mylab Discovery Solutions, a biotech company, has unveiled newborn screening (NBS) by introducing its patent-pending point-of-care device, MyNeoShield. This device promises swifter, more accessible, and cost-effective screening methods aimed at saving lives and preventing lifelong illnesses. It facilitates all seven tests commonly performed in newborn screening worldwide.

Traditionally, newborn screening has been a complex and time-consuming process, involving the collection of samples from infants, their subsequent transportation to centralised testing centres, and a waiting period of up to a day or even longer for results to become available.

This prolonged timeframe has presented considerable logistical challenges, particularly in remote or underserved areas, given the crucial 48-hour window within which medical action needs to be taken. Additionally, the high cost associated with specialised equipment has posed barriers for smaller healthcare facilities, such as nursing homes, in offering these critical tests.

Established in 2013 by Shailendra Kawade and Hasmukh Rawal, Mylab Discovery Solutions is an Indian biotech company specialising in molecular, serological, and immunology testing solutions and equipment. They cater to clinical diagnostics, drug discovery, biomedical research, Agri genomics, and animal and food safety applications. They were the first Indian company to introduce COVID-19 RT-PCR kits, Rapid Antigen Tests, and self-testing kits in India.

Hasmukh Rawal, cofounder & managing director of Mylab, said, 'œOur point-of-care device for newborn screening is a testament to that commitment. By making screening faster and more accessible, we aim to save lives and ensure that every child has the opportunity for a healthy and promising future."

As per the company, one of MyNeoShield's striking advantages is its ability to deliver results in just four hours on the spot, in stark contrast to traditional methods that can take up to 24 hours post-sample receipt and, in some cases, even longer (48-72 hours). This rapid turnaround time ensures that potential health issues are promptly identified and addressed.

Smaller healthcare facilities, including nursing homes and clinics, can now extend newborn screening services without the need for costly equipment or extensive resources. This means that even in rural or remote areas, infants can receive the necessary care right from birth.

Early detection of conditions through newborn screening is paramount. It can prevent conditions such as mental retardation, mortality, and lifelong illnesses that could otherwise be easily avoided with timely intervention. Mylab's device helps healthcare providers to make a substantial impact on the well-being of newborns.

This point-of-care device for newborn screening is slated to be commercially available starting in November. The company intends to introduce the device to global markets in collaboration with its partners.

Newborn screening constitutes a critical facet of public health programs, encompassing testing newborn infants for specific genetic, metabolic, and congenital disorders shortly after birth. Left undiagnosed and untreated, many children may develop mental retardation, learning disabilities, autism, dyslexia, and behavioural abnormalities.

NBS offers a rational and cost-effective approach to identifying and preventing these issues, often treatable or manageable with timely intervention.

In the point-of-care diagnostic space, recently, CrisprBits, a biotech startup, partnered with Molbio Diagnostics, a point-of-care diagnostics solution, to introduce CRISPR into point-of-care (POC) assays and enhance POC diagnostics.

CrisprBits pioneered a swift, precise, cost-effective point-of-care (POC) test development platform, PathCrisp, for various health conditions. CrisprBits will lead in advancing this platform, while Molbio Diagnostics will leverage its manufacturing capacity and global sales network to distribute and market these tests.