In
a world marked by significant healthcare disparities and the rising burden of
infectious diseases, innovation is the need of the hour.
Molbio
Diagnostics has redefined the landscape of molecular diagnostics with its
flagship product, Truenat. This portable, battery-operated molecular diagnostic
platform has not only transformed the detection of tuberculosis (TB) but has
also evolved into a versatile tool for diagnosing multiple diseases, including
Covid-19.
At
COP29 in Azerbaijan, Molbio Diagnostics further demonstrated its commitment to
global health equity by linking climate change and TB in a pioneering
discussion. The company’s donation of innovative diagnostic tools to Azerbaijan
reinforced its mission to support sustainable and decentralized healthcare
solutions.
Shiva
Sriram, President of Molbio Diagnostics, in an exclusive interview with Shardul
Nautiyal, shares insights into Truenat’s success story, the challenges of
healthcare access, and Molbio’s broader vision for the future.
“Truenat's
journey exemplifies a mission to provide affordable, high-quality diagnostics
to underserved populations, addressing the healthcare needs of lower- and
middle-income countries. With its ability to deliver rapid results within an
hour, even in resource-limited settings, Truenat is a testament to the power of
innovation in bridging healthcare gaps,” he stated.
Excerpts:
India
has a high TB burden, which was a key focus at our conference. Laboratories
often take time to process and send results. Could you elaborate on molecular
testing and benefits of using Truenat?
Truenat
is a rapid, point-of-care molecular diagnostic platform that miniaturizes
real-time PCR technology. Traditionally, molecular testing required centralized
labs, complex infrastructure, and highly trained personnel, making it
inaccessible in remote areas. With Truenat, we’ve addressed these barriers by creating
a portable, battery-operated device that requires minimal training and
infrastructure.
This
innovation enables molecular testing at the primary care level, providing early
diagnosis and intervention. Results are available within an hour of sample processing,
allowing immediate, evidence-based treatment. This is a significant shift from
using molecular diagnostics merely as a confirmatory tool to making them the
first line of testing. Additionally, Truenat’s solar-powered option ensures
functionality in areas with limited or no electricity.
Molbio
Diagnostics is committed to bringing healthcare closer to people. Can you
expand on this mission?
Our
mission is to ensure that no individual, irrespective of their socioeconomic
status or geography, is deprived of quality healthcare. Globally, around 80 per
cent of the population in lower- and middle-income countries lacks access to
basic diagnostics. By miniaturizing advanced diagnostic technology and
decentralizing healthcare, we’re breaking barriers to access. Truenat’s
deployment in underserved regions allows patients to receive timely and
accurate diagnoses without traveling long distances.
At
COP29, Molbio Diagnostics donated innovative diagnostic tools to Azerbaijan.
Could you speak about this initiative?
Azerbaijan
hosted COP29 in Baku, where the connection between climate change and TB was a
focal point. Changing climate patterns exacerbate TB through increased
malnutrition, migration, and population density. The "TB Go Green"
campaign, adopted by Azerbaijan, aligns with this perspective.
Molbio
donated the Truenat platform, ProRad ATLAS ultra-portable X-ray system, and
Truelux solar charging station to support Azerbaijan’s decentralized healthcare
initiatives. This donation helps transition the country from centralized
microscopy to rapid molecular testing, ensuring early diagnosis and
intervention. Such efforts reflect our commitment to enabling sustainable and
climate-resilient healthcare solutions.
Could
you elaborate on Molbio’s state-of-the-art facility and its approach to
quality?
Manufacturing
healthcare products demands the highest quality standards. At Molbio, we’ve
implemented robust quality management systems to ensure product consistency and
reliability. Our facilities are equipped with dedicated teams for R&D,
manufacturing, quality control, and assurance. We also maintain a logistics
network to ensure seamless delivery and provide extensive training for service
providers to guarantee prompt maintenance and support.
What
is the average lifespan of a Truenat device, and how do you handle equipment
breakdowns?
Truenat
devices have an average lifespan of five to seven years, with many operating
beyond a decade. Their solid-state design minimizes breakdowns and eliminates
the need for annual calibrations. In case of equipment issues, we have a global
network of trained service engineers to ensure timely repairs. Training
programs conducted in India prepare these engineers to provide comprehensive
on-ground support.
What
other innovative tools Molbio developing?
Beyond
Truenat, we’ve introduced tools like the ProRad ATLAS, an ultra-portable
digital X-ray system for mass TB screening, and Thermalytics, a touch-free,
AI-driven breast cancer screening device. These innovations address critical
gaps in healthcare. For example, Thermalytics provides a pain-free,
radiation-free solution for early breast cancer detection, ensuring privacy and
comfort for patients.
Truenat
is a multi-disease platform. Could you expand on its versatility?
Truenat’s
modular design allows it to test for a wide range of infectious diseases - from
TB and Covid-19 to malaria, dengue, and hepatitis - using different cartridges.
It supports multiple sample types, making it a comprehensive diagnostic tool
that strengthens healthcare systems once deployed.
How does Molbio collaborate with universities and startups?
We’ve
launched the EDGE programme to support startups and universities working on
healthcare innovations. Through mentorship and financial support, we help bring
their ideas to commercialization and scale. Additionally, we offer internship
opportunities at our R&D facilities to foster collaboration and innovation.
How can science and innovation mitigate the effects of climate change on disease transmission?
The
Covid-19 pandemic taught us that multi-stakeholder collaboration is essential.
Governments, NGOs, civil society, and the private sector must work together to
address healthcare challenges. With ongoing climate change, such collaborations
are crucial for creating resilient healthcare systems.
Molbio
Diagnostics exemplifies the transformative potential of innovation and
collaboration in healthcare. By decentralizing diagnostics and making
cutting-edge tools accessible to the last mile, the company is paving the way
for equitable, sustainable healthcare solutions.
(Source:
www.pharmabiz.com)
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