A breakthrough RT-PCR test to speed the detection of drug resistance in TB patients from 4 months to 2 weeks
Problem
In the absence of an effective triage test for TB which can help narrow down the number of presumptive TB patients, health systems around the world have to undertake a large number of confirmatory TB tests – requiring more financial and human resources, and increased testing capacity. An accurate and affordable triage test for use at the point of care can help reduce the number of confirmatory tests required, and presumptive TB patients.
Solution
The world’s first point of care, biomarker and antibody based TB triage test, which will identify presumptive TB patients within 20 minutes at the point of care, for further confirmatory diagnosis,. This will significantly speeding up diagnosis and initiation of treatment. The test is accurate, targeting 90% sensitivity & 72% specificity and affordable, at a target cost of Rs 125 (~$1.7) per test. It will require no laboratory infrastructure, and minimal training of health care workers.
IMPACT
As the test meets an urgent national priority and holds the potential to dramatically reduce the financial burden on the national TB control programme, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, is closely following developments in the project and WHO and CTD have requested to fast-track development. Furthermore, ICMR has committed to undertake multi-centric validation for Stellar’s TB triage test.
“IHF came into our project as our fairy Godmother. Not only has IHF provided us with additional funds when that were most needed, but also supported us with advice, connections and regular reviews. Their understanding of the TB ecosystem in India, and their consistent positive and pragmatic support have brought a lot of clarity on strategic approaches that could expedite dealing with the challenges in this venture.”