Researchers at BRIC-RGCB have won Rs 7 crore to build a biopsy-free cervical cancer test that uses a blood sample.

The grant comes through the MAHA MedTech Mission of ANRF, ICMR and the Gates Foundation.

The project was one of only 33 chosen from more than 1,000 proposals.

The automated device detects piRNA-based biomarkers in blood and measures them using nanopore technology.

Unlike Pap smears or HPV tests, it needs only a blood sample and no specialised training to run.

RGCB is working with Thiruvananthapuram start-up IndZita Biotech and Karkinos Healthcare.

The team holds a patent and has completed lab validation and a lab-scale pilot with human blood samples.

The device still needs clinical validation and regulatory approval before routine use.

Read the full article for more details on RGCB’s cervical cancer blood test.