This test uses state-of-the-art CRISPR technology developed in the country for the detection of the genomic sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, CSIR said in a statement.
The Tata CRISPR test achieves the precision levels of traditional RT-PCR tests with faster response time, less expensive equipment, and greater ease of use.
CRISPR is a genome editing technology for diagnosing diseases. The technology has been developed by CSIR-IGIB (Institute for Genomics and Integrative Biology).
“The Tata CRISPR (regularly interspaced grouped short palindromic repeats) test, powered by CSIR-IGIB (Institute for Genomics and Integrative Biology) FELUDA, received DCGI regulatory approvals for its commercial launch today, according to ICMR guidelines, complying with high-quality standards with 96 percent sensitivity and 98 percent specificity for detecting the new coronavirus, “the statement said.
The Tata CRISPR test is the world’s first diagnostic test to implement a specially adapted Cas9 protein to successfully detect the virus that causes Covid-19, he said.
Furthermore, CRISPR is a futuristic technology that can also be configured to detect many other pathogens in the future.
“The Tata Group has worked closely with CSIR-IGIB and ICMR to create a high-quality test that will help the nation scale up Covid-19 testing quickly and inexpensively, with a ‘Made in India’ product that it is safe, reliable and affordable and accessible, “the statement added.
Commenting on the development, Girish Krishnamurthy, CEO of TATA Medical and Diagnostics Ltd, said: “The approval of the Tata CRISPR test for Covid-19 will give a boost to the country’s efforts in fighting the global pandemic.
“The commercialization of the Tata CRISPR test reflects the tremendous R&D talent in the country that can collaborate to transform India’s contributions to the world of scientific research and global health,” he said.
Anurag Agrawal, Director of CSIR-IGIB, said that work initiated by CSIR under the Sickle Cell Mission for Genome Diagnostics and Therapeutics led to new insights that could be harnessed to rapidly develop a new diagnostic test for SARS-CoV. -two.
He emphasized that this shows the interconnectedness of scientific knowledge and technology and innovation of the young research team led by Debojyoti Chakraborty and Souvik Maiti.
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