Weeks after the World Health Organization (WHO) announced Mpox, also known as Monkeypox, a public health emergency of international concern, India has developed and received approval for its home-grown RT-PCR testing kit for Mpox, a development sanctioned by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
The new strain of this virus (Clad-1) is considered to be more transmissible and has higher mortality rates.
This is a step forward for the country to fight this virus.
“The IMDX Monkeypox Detection RT-PCR Assay is a ground-breaking molecular diagnostic test that targets two distinct regions in the viral genome, spanning both clade I and clade II virus variants. This ensures thorough detection across various viral strains, providing comprehensive results. Notably, this assay is platform-agnostic and seamlessly fits into existing lab workflows with standard PCR setups, eliminating the need for new instruments. The ability to use existing COVID testing infrastructure would enhance efficiency,” Siemens Healthcare Private Ltd.
The company said that the IMDX Monkeypox Detection RT-PCR Assay will be manufactured at the molecular diagnostics manufacturing unit in Vadodara, which has a capacity of 1 million reactions per year.
They even claimed that the test results will be available in 40 minutes.
“With results available in just 40 minutes, significantly faster than traditional methods (which take 1-2 hours), the assay helps reduce the turnaround time for reporting, leading to quicker responses. Clinically validated by ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune, the assay boasts an impressive 100 per cent sensitivity and specificity. IMDX Monkeypox RTPCR Assay kits adhere to Indian statutory guidelines and comply with the highest global standards,” the media agency quoted the company.
