Based Melioidosis Diagnostic Kit Technology (India)

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is inviting eligible Indian companies, organizations, and manufacturers to apply for the technology transfer and commercialization rights for MelioGlowPCR, a CRISPR-Cas-12a-based diagnostic assay and kit for detecting Burkholderia pseudomallei, the bacterium that causes melioidosis. The technology combines multiplex PCR amplification with CRISPR-based detection to provide rapid and sensitive diagnosis, particularly in resource-limited settings. The selected applicant will receive rights to further develop, manufacture, sell, and commercialize the diagnostic technology, subject to the terms of the ICMR technology licensing agreement. Eligible applicants must be legal entities registered in India, have a manufacturing facility in India, demonstrate relevant manufacturing or R&D experience, and satisfy financial, regulatory, quality, and other pre-qualification requirements. What Is the ICMR MelioGlowPCR Technology? The technology offered under this call is MelioGlowPCR, a diagnostic assay and kit developed by ICMR-RMRCNE for detecting Burkholderia pseudomallei. Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative bacterium of melioidosis, a serious infectious disease that can have a high mortality rate, particularly when diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Melioidosis can present significant diagnostic challenges, making rapid and accurate detection important for appropriate clinical management.

The MelioGlowPCR technology combines:

Multiplex PCR amplification. CRISPR-Cas-12a-based detection. Molecular detection of B. pseudomallei. Targeting of two specific regions of the T3SS gene. High diagnostic sensitivity. Rapid test processing. What Is CRISPR-Cas-12a-Based Diagnosis? CRISPR-Cas-12a is a molecular detection technology that can be used to identify specific genetic sequences. In this diagnostic application, PCR amplification is combined with CRISPR-based detection to improve the identification of the target organism.

The technology is designed to provide:

High analytical sensitivity. Specific pathogen detection. Rapid results. Reduced cross-reactivity. Potential suitability for resource-limited settings. The combination of PCR and CRISPR detection makes the assay different from conventional diagnostic approaches that rely solely on traditional amplification or detection methods. What Does the MelioGlowPCR Kit Detect? The diagnostic kit is designed to detect Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis. The assay targets two specific regions of the T3SS gene, which are used to identify the pathogen. According to the information provided, the technology has demonstrated: A limit of detection of approximately 1 copy/µL. High diagnostic sensitivity. High specificity. No cross-reactivity with relevant tested organisms. Rapid testing within approximately 3 hours. Why Is This Technology Important? Melioidosis is considered a neglected tropical disease and can represent a significant public-health challenge. Rapid molecular diagnosis can be particularly valuable because delayed diagnosis can complicate disease management. The technology is intended to support diagnostic access, particularly in: The technology may be particularly relevant to populations such as paddy farmers, who can have increased exposure to environments where B. pseudomallei may be present. What Is the Purpose of the Technology Transfer Call? ICMR is seeking an eligible Indian organization or manufacturer that can take the technology toward commercial development, manufacturing, and market deployment. The selected licensee will be expected to undertake activities such as: ICMR may provide technical support and oversight as required under the licensing arrangement. What Commercialization Rights Are Available? The selected company may receive rights to: Develop the technology. Manufacture the diagnostic assay and kit. Sell the product. Commercialize the technology. The technology agreement may be structured as either: Exclusive, or Non-exclusive The precise rights and obligations will be governed by the applicable technology licensing agreement and ICMR intellectual property policies. What Are the Intellectual Property Requirements? Intellectual property associated with the technology will be governed by the ICMR IP Policy. Applicants should therefore carefully review the applicable intellectual property and licensing provisions before submitting an application. The successful applicant will not simply receive unrestricted ownership of the technology. Commercialization will take place under the terms and conditions established by ICMR. What Royalty Must the Selected Company Pay? Qualified companies will be required to pay a 2% royalty on net sales in accordance with the applicable ICMR Guidelines for Technology Development Collaboration. Applicants should account for this commercial obligation when developing their business and commercialization plans. Who Is Eligible? The call is intended for eligible Indian organizations, companies, and manufacturers that can demonstrate the technical, manufacturing, financial, and regulatory capacity required to commercialize the diagnostic technology. Meet required quality standards and certifications. Provide the required documentation. What Manufacturing Capacity Is Required? Applicants must have a manufacturing unit in India. This requirement is important because the technology transfer is intended to support domestic development, manufacturing, and commercialization. Applicants should therefore be able to demonstrate that they have the infrastructure and operational capability necessary for manufacturing the diagnostic product. Relevant experience should be documented clearly in the application. Companies should explain their existing capabilities, facilities, technical expertise, product-development experience, and relevant diagnostic or biotechnology work where applicable. What Financial Requirements Apply? Applicants must satisfy