India has developed its own mpox RT-PCR testing kits. Here’s why this matters

India has achieved a significant milestone in the battle against the mpox virus by introducing its home-grown RT-PCR kit specifically designed for the detection of the viral disease. The two testing kits, developed indigenously in India, come at a crucial juncture as the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a second public health emergency due to the rapid global spread of a more virulent and deadly strain of the mpox virus across the globe. Approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, these testing kits not only boost the nation’s diagnostic capabilities but also highlight its growing prowess in advanced medical technology.

Here’s a closer look at India’s very own mpox RT-PCR kits. Introduced under the brand name ‘ErbaMDx Monkeypox RT-PCR Kit’, this diagnostic kit was developed by Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ), a research body of the state government, in collaboration with Transasia Diagnostics. With a 12-month shelf life and zero cross-reactivity with other orthopoxviruses, the kit promises exceptional accuracy and dependability, Dr.

Jitendra Sharma, Managing Director and Founder CEO of AMTZ, told The Times of India (TOI). Additionally, the kit’s standout feature is its use of lyophilised components, which allows it to be shipped and stored at ambient temperatures. This attribute can be a game-changer for regions lacking cold chain infrastructure, ensuring that the diagnostic to.