U.K.-firm Epistem and Indian genomics research and diagnostics testing specialist Xcelris Laboratories are teaming up to evaluate the use of Epistem’s Genedrive™ point-of-care molecular diagnostic device in India’s Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP), which was initiated in 1997 to aid in the rapid diagnosis and treatment of TB throughout the country.
The Genedrive system has been developed to provide rapid, low-cost analysis of molecular biomarkers in a simple, integrated unit, with results generated in less than 30 minutes. Through the collaboration with Xcelris the handheld device will be evaluated for the early identification of TB infection. After the evaluation stage the partners anticipate rolling out the device into select remote locations prior to a full evaluation of market positioning.
Xcelris offers genomics and bioinformatics services to research institutes in India and globally, and has expertise in next-generation sequencing and novel molecular diagnostic techniques. The firm will partner with the RNTCP on the provision of easy-to-use diagnostic solutions to aid in TB prevention and therapy in India.