Dibrugarh: In a step towards strengthening India’s fight against tuberculosis, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has handed over its homegrown, CRISPR-based TB detection technology to a private company for commercial-scale production.
The cutting-edge diagnostic platform, developed at the ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre for the Northeast (ICMR-RMRC NE) in Dibrugarh, has been officially transferred to Meril Diagnostics through a formal Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), the institute announced on Thursday.
This breakthrough arrives at a pivotal moment as India accelerates efforts to meet its national goal of eliminating TB.
The CRISPR-Cas-powered diagnostic tool offers ultra-sensitive, rapid detection of TB and was entirely designed and engineered at the Dibrugarh facility.
The platform integrates innovations in molecular biology, engineering, and software to provide a scalable, point-of-care solution tailored for use in low-resource and rural settings.
“This indigenous technology is a landmark in our effort to build affordable, accessible, and reliable diagnostic tools within the country,” the ICMR said in a statement.
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“It will significantly improve early detection and treatment, especially in underserved communities, which are often the most impacted by TB.”
Dr. Md Atique Ahmed, the principal investigator behind the project, highlighted the importance of translating high-end scientific research into practical tools.
“This innovation bridges the gap between molecular biology and field deployment. We’re proud to offer a made-in-India solution to one of our most pressing public health challenges,” he said.
