ICMR’s New TB Detection System

Source- This post on the ICMR’s New TB Detection System has been created based on the article “ICMR ready to transfer technology of a ‘breakthrough’ TB detection system” published in “The Hindu” on 25 July 2024.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is working to spread a new, affordable, fast, and easy-to-use TB detection technology. This initiative aims to transfer the technology to organizations, companies, and manufacturers for commercial use.

ICMR’s New TB Detection System

1. The CRISPR Cas-based TB detection system, developed by the ICMR Regional Medical Research Centre in Dibrugarh, is considered the world’s cheapest TB testing system.

2. Purpose: It detects the TB bacterium using DNA from saliva, can identify TB with preliminary symptoms, and is capable of testing over 1,500 samples within two hours.

3. The system is simple enough to be used in village primary health centers.

TB in India

1. Tuberculosis (TB) kills approximately 4,80,000 Indians annually, which equates to over 1,400 deaths daily.

2. Over a million TB cases remain undiagnosed or inadequately diagnosed each year, especially in the private sector, presenting a significant challenge.

3. India’s progress in reducing TB cases and deaths has slowed recently.

4. The Health Ministry is revising protocols for TB medication and treatment duration. The goal is to eliminate TB by 2025, aiming for zero deaths, disease, and poverty due to TB.

ICMR’s Role and Support

1. ICMR can form agreements with manufacturing companies to produce the TB detection system, governed by the ICMR IP Policy.

2. The Dibrugarh center will provide expert guidance and technical support throughout the production phases.

3. ICMR will support research and development (R&D) and clinical studies in collaboration with companies or institutions. Additionally, ICMR will facilitate technology validation under mutually agreed terms and conditions.

4.There will be no financial implications for ICMR unless specified otherwise.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology