Sequoia-backed Startup Medgenome Develops DNA Test to Identify All Drug Resistance Mutations in TB

DNA diagnostic startup MedGenome Labs claimed on Thursday it has developed a DNA test to identify all drug resistance mutations in tuberculosis (TB).

MedGenome, which counts Sequoia Capital and HDFC Group as its investors, claimed that 'SPIT SEQ' developed by it is the first Whole Genome Sequencing based test that can provide a detailed analysis of every single mutation present in any tuberculosis bacteria causing drug resistance-directly from the sputum.

This would enable a doctor to quickly and accurately prescribe the most effective drug to a tuberculosis patient without a trial and error process, it further claimed.

"India has the largest number of multi drug resistant (MDR-TB) TB cases. SPIT SEQ can be a boon for TB patients, clinicians and healthcare agencies to achieve India's Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of elimination TB by 2025," MedGenome said.

The company said the test has been validated with over 100 samples where it recorded with 100 per cent sensitivity and 98.04 per cent specificity when compared with Line Probe Assay (LPA).

50 out of those samples were in association with P D Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, it added. PTI GMS RS