Globavir Biosciences, Inc., a California-based biotechnology company, has announced the approval of their PanGlob Dengue rRT-PCR kit from the ministry of health & family welfare in India. Globavir and its Indian distribution partner, Suyog Diagnostics Private Limited, a Mumbai-based diagnostic technologies distribution company, are working to launch the test this upcoming monsoon season (May– September) when dengue is most prevalent and problematic.
“Diagnosing dengue is challenging because of the nature of the infection and its different serotypes,” says Globavir CEO Dr. Shalabh Gupta. “Current tests struggle to accurately diagnose dengue. The approval and distribution of PanGlob in India provides a more sensitive, accurate, and affordable test option that we believe will revolutionize the diagnosis of dengue infections in a country where dengue is a rapidly growing problem.” Globavir is also in the process of launching with Suyog in India, a multiplex test, MulGlob, which can detect multiple pathogens, including dengue, in a single test.
“Dengue is a growing health concern in India, but suffers from the lack of accurate and affordable test options,” said Rajesh Maheshwari, president & CEO of Suyog Diagnostics Private Limited. “We are excited by the approval of the PanGlob test, and are proud to partner with Globavir to bring this test to India.”
PanGlob is an rRT-PCR dengue diagnostic test with higher sensitivity than any currently available commercial test. The sensitivity of the test allows for accurate viral detection after the first five days of infection, when viral load decreases in the bloodstream, often to levels below the detection limits for many tests. This increased sensitivity is especially crucial for patients admitted during in later stages of the disease, when the risks for secondary complications such as dengue shock syndrome and haemorrhagic fever are highest. By confirming a dengue diagnosis more quickly, the proper treatment and care can be administered to mitigate and reduce the occurrence of severe forms of infection.
The original technology that led to this test was licensed from Stanford University. The test is now registered in India with the ministry of health & family welfare, and is now ready for launch in India. The test is also CE-marked and approved for sale in the European Union.
Globavir Biosciences, based in Los Altos, CA, is developing life-saving technologies for cancer and the diagnosis and treatment of some of the world’s most deadly viral diseases.
Suyog Diagnostics Private Limited, based in India, is a supplier for the last two decades of medical equipment and diagnostics kits used in pathology, haematology, microbiology, molecular, blood banking and point of care labs.