Indigenous diagnostic tool for TB likely in a year: ICMR

"If our evaluation shows positive result, then it may replace GeneXpert. The idea is to reduce the cost and have an indigenous diagnostic tool," Swaminathan said.

GeneXpert is a popular test for detecting TB that provides result in a couple of hours with minimal hands-on technical time.

"The evaluation will be over in the next three months. If it is found to be good, production will be scaled up. That may take another six months or so. It maybe a year before the diagnostic tool is available," she said.

ICMR is focused on research for better treatment strategies and diagnostics and is also working to speed up rapid diagnostics for TB, Swaminathan said.

"But implementation of the programme is also equally important," she said.

ICMR is also working on developing vaccines for major infections, malaria and HIV. The phase-one trial for malaria vaccine should start very soon as the necessary approvals have been obtained, Swaminathan said.

It has applied for regulatory clearance to start the phase-three trial for a new vaccine (a recombinant VCG vaccine) for TB, Swaminathan added.