ICMR-RMRC NE Transfers Indigenous CRISPR TB Test to Meril Diagnostics for Mass Production
First Published: 30th April, 2025 21:44 IST
This breakthrough comes as India pushes forward with its ambitious target to eliminate TB.
The ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, North East (ICMR-RMRC NE), Dibrugarh, today transferred its indigenously developed CRISPR-Cas-based tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic technology to Meril Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd. for large-scale commercialization. This breakthrough comes as India pushes forward with its ambitious target to eliminate TB. The technology transfer was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between Dr. Subarna Roy, Director (Additional Charge) of ICMR-RMRC NE, and representatives of Meril Diagnostics at a ceremony attended by senior scientists, government officials, and industry leaders.
Developed entirely at ICMR-RMRC NE by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Md Atique Ahmed, Scientist D, the new diagnostic system combines molecular biology, engineering, and software development. Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH), Dibrugarh, also partnered in the development process. The system includes three major components: the RapidBact DNA Extraction Kit, the Glow-TBPCR Detection Kit, and the RapidGlow Device with RGLOW Software.
The RapidBact DNA Extraction Kit processes small sputum samples in just 25 minutes, offering low-cost and user-friendly DNA preparation. The Glow-TBPCR Detection Kit identifies even minute quantities of TB bacteria, detecting two TB-related genes with built-in controls and delivering results within three hours using standard PCR lab equipment. The portable RapidGlow Device maintains ideal testing temperatures, processes multiple samples, and works in real-time with easy-to-use RGLOW software, ensuring accessibility in remote or underserved areas.
This innovation aims to bring affordable, fast, and accurate TB testing to community-level healthcare, playing a key role in India’s strategy to detect and treat all TB cases using homegrown solutions. Dr. Md Atique Ahmed stated, “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.”
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Brother of BSF Jawan Deepak Chingakham Who Died in Cross-Border Firing by Pakistan in Jammu Appointed ASI in Manipur Police on Compassionate Grounds
11th July 2025
Live Maikhuli Villagers Protest MoU Over Assam-Meghalaya Border, Demand Return of Fishery
11th July 2025
Live Chhangur Baba Received Rs 500 Crore in Foreign Funds for Illegal Conversions: Anti-Terror Squad
11th July 2025
Live Taiwan Detects 9 Chinese Warships, 1 Aircraft Breaching ADIZ Amid Rising Tensions
11th July 2025
WE RECOMMEND
Shubhanshu Shukla Speaks to Students from Assam and Meghalaya from Space, Tells Them He Will Guide Them To Become Astronauts, Walk on the Moon
The Indian astronaut connected with the students using amateur (Ham) radio, making it a rare and inspiring moment.
11th July 2025
Assam Cabinet Approves Financial Assistance for Class 10 Students, Strict Rules for Hospitals
The amount is intended to help students purchase essential academic and nutritional items.
11th July 2025
Centre Sanctions Rs 1,066 Cr For Flood And Landslide Hit Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya and Mizoram
These states have experienced heavy rainfall, massive flooding, and multiple landslides during this monsoon season.
10th July 2025
Manipuri Community in Assam’s Silchar Stages Protest Demanding Autonomous Council
Manipuri Community in Assam: Demonstrators emphasised that the creation of the council is a constitutional right of the Manipuri community.
10th July 2025
Armed Robbers Loot Assam Businessman of Gold and Lakhs in Cash, Leaves Him Seriously Injured
The incident happened around 2 AM on Wednesday at the house of Junaid Ahmed, a well-known businessman in the area.
10th July 2025