Molbio with Global Fund, USAID and Stop TB Partnership to expand access to rapid molecular tests

Global Fund, USAID and Stop TB Partnership entered into a collaboration with Goa-based Molbio Diagnostics, India’s leading point-of-care molecular diagnostics company and inventor of the globally renowned Truenat platform. The collaboration will enable countries to procure the WHO endorsed Truenat platform at internationally negotiated prices, making the technology more accessible and affordable across the world.
With its ability to work at point of care, Truenat can be deployed at peripheral health facilities thus ensuring access to a rapid molecular diagnosis for everyone in need.
The National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme has already deployed Truenat in over 3,500 PHCs/CHCs across all states in India. The international collaboration will now provide an opportunity for other countries to adopt this Indian technology under their respective national TB programmes, for global impact.
Sriram Natarajan, CEO, founder and director, of Molbio Diagnostics, said, “This partnership will help democratize and increase access to timely and accurate diagnostic settings to affected patients, thus helping Molbio achieve its goal of providing complete testing solutions via the Truenat platform. Molbio is aligned with the Global TB Eradication Goal 2030 and will continue to develop novel solutions for improved patient care and disease eradication.”
Welcoming this news, executive director of The Global Fund Peter Sands said, “We are delighted to partner with Molbio Diagnostics. They play a crucial role in meeting the need for improved diagnostic solutions and technologies. We look forward to making these TB products more affordable and accessible in the countries where we invest.”
“USAID is committed to creating a TB-free world, and that starts with expanding access to critical diagnostic testing to reach every person with TB. This new technology will allow countries to expand rapid TB diagnostic testing to more rural, hard-to-reach populations at the primary care level –and at a significantly lower cost than current testing options,” said Dr. Atul Gawande, USAID’s Assistant Administrator for Global Health. “
“This is a historical moment. For the first time ever, we have a rapid molecular test for TB and rifampicin resistance that is less than US$8 per test, more than 20% lower than what is currently available on the market for these types of tests. We also have an amazing ‘package of services’ offered by Molbio, and a commitment to offer low prices for private sector providers,” said Dr. Lucica Ditiu, executive director of the Stop TB Partnership.
Source: Pharmabiz