Agappe Chitra Magna launched by SCTIMST to detect COVID-19

On May 20, 2020, the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Science and Technology operating under Department of Science and Technology has launched magnetic nano particle based RNA extraction kit called “Agappe Chitra Magna”.

Highlights

The Agappe Chitra Magna kit was validated by the National Institute of Virology. The kit was developed by the SCTIMST and was transferred to Agappe Diagnostics and hence the name Agappe Chitra Magna kit.

The approval of the kit was provided by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

About the kit

The kit uses an innovative technology of magnetic nano particles to isolate RNA. The nanoparticles are used to capture RNA from the sample of the patient. The kit enhanced detection of positive cases. This is because the magnetic nanoparticles binds to the viral RNA and when exposed to magnetic field gives concentrated RNA.

Benefits

The kit is highly affordable. The price of the kit is Rs 300 and is expected to come down to Rs 150. This will help to address the needs of India. The Government of India has estimated that the country will need around 8 lakhs kits per month for the next six months. The Agappe Diagnostics has manufacturing capacity of 3 lakh kits per month.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2020