The private sector plays a crucial role in developing the diagnostic tools of tomorrow. Companies are at work making diagnostic tests more sensitive, more accurate, and easier to use and transport. Further, several smaller companies have also recently entered the market, with innovative products that use blood, urine, light or body temperature to improve detection.[i] Additional innovations in malaria diagnosis will speed elimination efforts by providing health systems and national malaria programs with a fuller picture of the disease landscape, and interrupt outbreaks before they start.
Selected Malaria Diagnostic Innovations:
● In early 2016, Meridian Biosciences launched a molecular diagnostic test that allows for a robust detection of malaria parasites in blood using amplified DNA. Unlike other tools, the test can be conducted at constant temperature, which makes for easier transport on the field.[ii]
● In 2014, Sight Diagnostics Ltd. launched an enhanced automated microscopy system that functions as a one-stop point of care. The technology leverages breakthrough hardware, machine vision and AI to provide doctors with an almost instant diagnosis of the disease.[iii]
● TermoTell[iv], a socially focused start-up, has designed an innovative bracelet and patch that helps diagnose malaria in children earlier by tracking changes in body temperature and sweat patterns. The company was among the finalists of UNICEF's Wearables for Good Challenge in 2015.[v]
● UK-based biotech company QuantuMDX is designing a rapid diagnostic tool to help professionals detect the DNA of malaria parasites in blood samples.[vi]
● Alere, an Abbott-owned company, also recently launched a product that helps improve detection of HRP2 protein, which is present in higher levels in individuals with malaria.[vii]
[i] PATH. “Finding the final cases of malaria using more sensitive diagnostics.” 30 August 2019. Accessed June 2021. https://bit.ly/34yvF1J.
[ii] Meridian Bioscience. “Platforms”. Accessed June 2021. https://bit.ly/2Drl7FB.
[iii] Sight. “Blood diagnostics, meet machine vision.” Accessed June 2021. https://bit.ly/2Dpa3ZI.
[iv] TermoTell. Accessed June 2021. https://bit.ly/2QZ1EUN.
[v] UNICEF. “Meet UNICEF wearables finalists series: TermoTell.” 10 November 2015. Accessed June 2021. https://bit.ly/2L61mri.
[vi] Fedor L. “Demand for good, rapid malaria tests outstrips supply.” Financial Times. 17 April 2018. https://on.ft.com/2Otx5Vs.
[vii] PATH. “Finding the final cases of malaria using more sensitive diagnostics.” 30 August 2019. Accessed June 2021. https://bit.ly/34yvF1J.