MedGenome, a leading genomics company in South Asia, and Darshan GIVA Foundation, an influential NGO, have forged a transformative partnership aimed at revolutionizing tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and treatment. Their collaboration focuses on providing free Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) testing to pre-diagnosed Drug-resistant TB (DRTB) patients, marking a significant step towards combating TB, a persistent global health threat. The ultimate objective is to integrate WGS-based TB testing into India’s National Tuberculosis Elimination program and align it with the diagnosis recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The partnership aims to address the urgent need for more effective TB diagnosis and treatment strategies in India, where TB remains a major public health concern. By offering WGS testing free of cost to DRTB patients, the initiative seeks to accelerate the identification of drug-resistant strains and facilitate tailored treatment regimens. Through collaborative efforts with government agencies, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, and MedGenome, Darshan GIVA Foundation aims to support India’s TB elimination goals by advocating for evidence-based recommendations on WGS usage.
MedGenome’s SPIT SEQ test, based on Next-generation sequencing (NGS), stands at the forefront of this initiative, offering a rapid and accurate diagnosis of Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). Unlike conventional methods that may take months to confirm TB and identify effective medicines, SPIT SEQ delivers critical information within two weeks. This enables healthcare providers to initiate appropriate treatment promptly, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance and shortening infectious periods, thereby limiting TB spread within communities.
Furthermore, the partnership aims to validate the accuracy and efficiency of SPIT SEQ compared to established diagnostic methods such as Liquid culture Drug Susceptibility Testing (LCDST) and Line Probe Assays (LPA). By generating data-based evidence to assess the concordance between WGS and gold standard tests, the initiative seeks to advance TB diagnostics and treatment practices in India and beyond.
Given the persistent burden of TB, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, this collaborative effort holds immense promise in advancing TB control efforts and improving patient outcomes in high-burden regions like India. Through innovation and collaboration, MedGenome and Darshan GIVA Foundation are pioneering a transformative approach to TB diagnosis and treatment, setting a precedent for global TB control initiatives.