ICMR-RMRC NE Transfers Indigenous CRISPR TB Test to Meril Diagnostics for Mass Production

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.”

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