Bio-Rad India, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Bio-Rad Laboratories USA, is launching shortly two more testing kits for HIV and hepatitis B in Indian market. Recently, the company introduced dengue screening - Platelia Dengue NS1 Ag - in Indian market with strong response from market.

Talking with Pharmabiz, Dhiren Wagle, country manager of Bio-Rad, said, "We have already launched dengue kit in the Indian market. Initially, dengue kits will be available in laboratories located in metros. The cost of the test will be in the range of Rs 350-500. The company is now in the process of introducing two more testing kits for detecting HIV and hepatitis B. This ultra hepatitis kit is very sensitive kit. "

The first test for dengue, in the Indian market, is based on the specific detection of dengue virus NS1 antigen. While existing dengue tests identify the virus indirectly by detecting antibodies, which are produced only four to six days after the appearance of the first symptoms, the new test is able to detect the virus from the first day of symptoms.

"We have been able to increase the sales of dengue kits by three fold during the June-October period and it is likely to pick up further. Dengue virus is the seasonal disease and this market is having very good market potential for the business. Early detection of dengue is critical as it means that we can provide the appropriate treatment as soon as possible. With this test, it is now possible to bring down fatality rates significantly," he added.

Wagle further stated that, "We have always endeavoured to provide the best technologies in the area of clinical diagnosis and research. Through launch of new kits we hope to assist the health agencies with an effective control and management of the epidemic. "

This ability to detect the presence of the NS1 antigen enables earlier detection of the infection compared to the conventional serological methods currently used. The time saving is at least 6 days for a primary infection.

Test performance has been confirmed through evaluations led by Bio-Rad teams as well as by reference laboratories of countries directly concerned by the disease, including India, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Brazil and Guyana.