ICMR-RMRC Empowers Meril Diagnostics with CRISPR-TB Test Technology for Transformative Scale-Up
Dibrugarh, Assam – The ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, North East (ICMR-RMRC NE) has announced a significant milestone in the fight against tuberculosis (TB). On Wednesday, the center successfully transferred its innovative CRISPR-Cas-based diagnostic technology to Meril Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd, paving the way for large-scale commercialization of this groundbreaking tool designed for rapid and ultra-sensitive TB detection.
The formal agreement was established through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), signed by Subarna Roy, the Director (Additional Charge) of ICMR-RMRC NE, and representatives from Meril Diagnostics, one of India’s leading medical diagnostics companies. This collaboration underscores the center’s ongoing commitment to tackling critical health issues, particularly TB, which remains one of the foremost public health challenges in the nation.
Founded on July 12, 1982, ICMR-RMRC NE serves the eight northeastern states of India, spearheading vital biomedical research while enhancing healthcare infrastructure in the region. The recent technological innovation is a testament to the institute’s drive to provide effective solutions for pressing health crises.
The developments were spearheaded by a dedicated team led by Scientist D Md Atique Ahmed at ICMR-RMRC NE, who integrated insights from molecular biology, engineering, and software programming. The Assam Medical College & Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh also played a crucial role in refining this technology.
Central to this advancement is the RapidBact DNA Extraction Kit, which efficiently extracts DNA from small sputum samples in approximately 25 minutes, enabling various analytical methods. Complementing this is the Glow-TBPCR Detection Kit, which detects two key genes associated with TB, yielding results in about three hours using standard laboratory qPCR equipment. Furthermore, the Rapid Glow Device, along with RGLOW Software, allows for simultaneous processing of multiple samples, enhancing testing efficiency and accessibility in various medical settings.
This indigenous platform represents a critical leap toward creating affordable, scalable point-of-care diagnostic alternatives, particularly in underserved regions. As India pursues aggressive TB elimination goals, such innovations will be indispensable.
Following this announcement, Md Atique Ahmed expressed pride in contributing a homegrown solution for TB, remarking, “This innovation bridges high-end molecular biology with real-world field utility. We’re proud to contribute a made-in-India solution for a disease that remains a major national health challenge, and we believe this technology will be a crucial tool in achieving India’s ambitious goal of TB elimination.”
This partnership between ICMR-RMRC NE and Meril Diagnostics signals a positive step toward bolstering the national response to TB and reflects the growing emphasis on leveraging local scientific advancements to address global health challenges. As the country continues to battle this disease, the hope is that enhanced diagnostic capabilities will lead to more effective interventions and ultimately, significant reductions in TB prevalence across India.
Original Source: https://nenow.in/north-east-news/assam/assam-icmr-rmrc-ne-transfers-crispr-tb-test-tech-to-meril-diagnostics-for-scale-up.html
Category : Assam,Northeast News,Top News
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Publish Date: 2025-05-01 20:21:00
