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SCTIMST Launches Agappe Chitra Magna
For Detection Of COVID-19
Sree Chitra Tirunal
Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST)
has recently launched ‘Agappe Chitra Magna’, a magnetic
nanoparticle-based RNA extraction kit for detection of
COVID 19.
The Chitra Magna, an
RNA extraction kit developed by SCTIMST under the
leadership of senior scientist, Dr Anoopkumar
Thekkuveettil, was transferred to Agappe Diagnostics in
April 2020, and will now be available in the market as
Agappe Chitra Magna RNA Isolation Kit. Agappe Diagnostics
is a Cochin-based in vitro diagnostics manufacturing
company.
The kit can be used for
RNA extraction for RT-LAMP, RT-qPCR, RT-PCR and other
isothermal and PCR based protocols for the detection of
SARS-COV-2, had been validated by National Institute of
Virology (NIV) for COVID19 RNA isolation. Central Drugs
Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has approved the
commercialization of this kit.
It uses an innovative
technology for isolating RNA using magnetic nanoparticles
to capture the RNA from the patient sample. The magnetic
nanoparticle beads bind to the viral RNA and, when exposed
to a magnetic field, give a highly purified and
concentrated RNA. As the sensitivity of the detection
method is dependent on getting an adequate quantity of
viral RNA, this innovation enhances the chances of
identifying positive cases.
Agappe Diagnostics has
manufacturing capacity of 3 lakh kits per month. It is
estimated that India would require about 8 lakh RNA
extraction kits per month during the next six months, and
Agappe Chitra Magna RNA Isolation Kit priced around Rs.
150 per kit is expected to reduce the cost of testing and
the country’s dependence on imported kits which cost
around Rs. 300.
It is inexpensive,
fast, and accurate testing for COVID-19 virus is the
cornerstone of containing its spread and providing
appropriate help to the infected.
http://www.pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=126302&sid=1
IIT Kanpur & SGPGIMS Develop
Safer
Alternative To N-95 Mask
Indian Institute of
Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) and Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate
Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, have
jointly developed a working prototype of a positive
pressure respirator system (PPRS). This is aimed to be a
safer alternative to N-95 masks.
Professor Nachiketa
Tiwari (IIT Kanpur), and professor Devendra Gupta,
in-charge, Covid-19, ICU SGPGIMS, Lucknow have led the
innovation.
“While the existing N95
respirator does not protect the user if there is an
imperfect seal between the mask and the face, as there is
negative pressure inside the mask. In contrast, the PPRS
provides uncontaminated air because it uses positive
pressures. Thus, contaminated air from the room cannot
enter the PPRS even in presence of leakages,” professor
Tiwari said.
“The PPRS is better
placed vis-à-vis N95 respirator in one more way. The N95
respirator is only 95% efficient. Thus, health
professionals working in isolation wards with large number
of Covid-19 infected patients may fall sick due to
exposure to significant viral loads. The PPRS eliminates
this risk as well,” Tiwari added.
Prof Gupta of SGPGIMS
said, “This is just the prototype. We have applied for
patenting of the design of the product. A lot of
refinement will be done in due process of time.”
“The PPRS is
essentially made up of a snug, comfortable and leak-proof
transparent enclosure for mouth and nose which receive
positive pressure air from a portable, light, and wearable
air-bottle as well as a trolley-mounted large cylinder,”
said Gupta. “The device can deliver uncontaminated air for
over six hours. It uses locally producible reliable
one-way valves to avoid the inflow of contaminated air,”
he said.
The new PPRS is simple,
rugged and incorporates multiple design features to
protect the user. It is a universal, i.e. one-size-
fits-all, design. It uses easily available local materials
for fabrication.
“And finally, it can be
produced locally as it uses commonly available skill sets.
Thus, such PPRS devices can be produced in very large
numbers in a very short time frame across the country,”
the IIT-K professor said.
http://www.plastemart.com/news-plastics-information/iit-kanpursgpgims-develop-safer-alternative-to-n-95-mask/53841
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