The recent news revolves around the deployment of a novel India-made testing kit, christened as Omisure, by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). This kit has successfully passed the authority’s scrutiny and has been deemed suitable for detecting the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The current detection trust is placed in a kit developed by the US-based scientific instrument manufacturing company, Thermo Fisher.
Indian Made Testing Kit: Omisure
Omisure is a novel indigenously created RT-PCR kit that Tata Medical and Diagnostics spearhead its manufacture. This kit applies the S-Gene Target Failure (SGTF) strategy. Unlike the conventional method which relies solely on genome sequencing to identify Omicron patients, the Omisure test kit pioneers a step-saving technique. It allows the detection of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV2 in the nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal specimens obtained during the RT-PCR tests, thus eliminating the need for genome sequencing.
The Omicron variant has undergone numerous mutations in the S-gene. In this context, the SGTF strategy steps in to check and indicate it in patients diagnosed with Covid positive. The Covid-19 virus can be detected by targeting specific viral genes such as the ‘S’ Gene, ORF, ‘N’ gene, Rdrp, or ‘E’ gene.
World Health Organization (WHO) Advances
Consequently, the WHO has come up with some initiatives aimed at enhancing lab capacities. These are particularly oriented towards eliminating inequalities in access to Covid-19 diagnostics tools.
Proposal for a Genomics Consortium
One of the significant advancements is the proposition for setting up a SARS-CoV-2 genomics consortium in Southeast Asia. This consortium, once established, will escalate genomic sequencing and surveillance, thereby formulating a solid regional system. This system will be instrumental in detecting and monitoring the evolution of potential SARS-CoV-2 viral threats capable of causing epidemics and pandemics.
Increased Genome Sequencing
WHO has also emphasized the need for amplifying genome sequencing. This increase will contribute to the more timely utilization of genomic data, which can further influence public health decision-making positively. Additionally, this step will reinforce the preparedness and response strategies for future outbreaks or pandemics.
Addressing Key Barriers
WHO also emphasizes the barriees that need to be addressed to achieve these goals. These barriers include a shortage of trained workforce and other necessary resources crucial for sustained long-term testing and sequencing capacities.
About Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
ICMR is India’s apex body entrusted with formulating, coordinating, and promoting biomedical research. Its establishment dates back to 1911 under the name Indian Research Fund Association (IRFA). It was later renamed as ICMR in 1949. The ICMR is funded by the Government of India through the Department of Health Research, under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
