The Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) will lead a project to develop a low-cost test for rapid detection of COVID-19 antibodies, a statement from the university said on Sunday.
The translational project of Rs 98 lakh was submitted to BIRAC-DBT by Dr Gaurav Pandey of the University School of Biotechnology (USBT). The statement added that the project has been selected for funding in response to a research consortium call on COVID -19.
“It is a matter for pride that IP University will lead a multi-institutional project to develop the indigenous technology for rapid detection of COVID -19 antibodies with a minimum infrastructural requirement,” it said.
BIRAC
Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) is a not-for-profit state-owned enterprise under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India to strategically empower emerging and rising biotech companies.
The University and its partners will be funded to develop a low-cost completely indigenous test for SARS COV2 antibody testing by BIRAC through its COVID -19 research consortium after competitive evaluation. According to the statement, the test can be used for large scale screening of pandemic population.
Lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) Test | Low-cost Test For Rapid Detection of COVID-19 Antibodies
LFIA is an easy to use diagnostic device used to affirm the presence or absence of a target analyte, such as pathogens or biomarkers in humans or animals, or contaminants in water supplies, staples, or animal feeds.
The LFIA test provides the results in maximum 15-20 minutes and is almost resource independent, the statement said. “It doesn’t require high-end equipment and can be used in remote settings. The partnership with an industrial partner Medsource Ozone Pvt. Ltd will ensure faster diffusion of technology, manufacturing and commercialization,” it added.
According to the statement by the University, currently, most of these antibody tests either as complete tests or with some of the key components such as antigens rely on imports.
A translational team will be formed by Dr Gaurav Pandey from IP University, Dr Anurag Rathore from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi and Prateek Mittal from Medsource Ozone which will “develop a scalable process to produce the required antigens components and manufacture the point of care lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) device”.
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