The National University of Singapore (NUS) is partnering with the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) to develop a novel point-of-care diagnostic test for tuberculosis (TB) detection. NUS researchers have identified specific mycolic acid biomarkers in sputum samples that can distinguish active TB infections from non-infections or cured cases. NUS will work to develop antibodies to these biomarkers for use in an immunoassay-based diagnostic test, while FIND will provide expertise to develop the test into a product. The goal is to make TB diagnosis more affordable, easy-to-use, and accurate for use in resource-limited settings.
On Dec. 20th 2016, the HRB published their "Health Research In Action" booklet that detailed a small selection of recent success stories from their research funding portfolio which "...really show health research in action".
The corneal-limbal stem cell research work carried out at NICB (by Finbarr O’Sullivan and Prof. Martin Clynes) and which led to the first corneal-limbal stem cell transplant in Ireland (carried out by Mr. William Power of the RVEEH) on June 7th, 2016 got an honorable mention (Page 17)
Anne Krug’s project measures human neurons, which are treated with different kinds of substances, to assess whether these have a negative impact on neurite growth.
The Karolinska Institute (KI) is the largest centre for medical education and research in Sweden and the home of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
KI consists of 22 departments and 600 research groups dedicated to improving human health through research and higher education.
The role of the Kohonen/Grafström team has been to guide the application, analysis, interpretation and storage of so called “omics” technology-derived data within the service-oriented subproject “ToxBank”.
On Dec. 20th 2016, the HRB published their "Health Research In Action" booklet that detailed a small selection of recent success stories from their research funding portfolio which "...really show health research in action".
The corneal-limbal stem cell research work carried out at NICB (by Finbarr O’Sullivan and Prof. Martin Clynes) and which led to the first corneal-limbal stem cell transplant in Ireland (carried out by Mr. William Power of the RVEEH) on June 7th, 2016 got an honorable mention (Page 17)
Anne Krug’s project measures human neurons, which are treated with different kinds of substances, to assess whether these have a negative impact on neurite growth.
The Karolinska Institute (KI) is the largest centre for medical education and research in Sweden and the home of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
KI consists of 22 departments and 600 research groups dedicated to improving human health through research and higher education.
The role of the Kohonen/Grafström team has been to guide the application, analysis, interpretation and storage of so called “omics” technology-derived data within the service-oriented subproject “ToxBank”.
Current situation in the meningitis belt, impact of MenAfriVac, countries that have introduced or committed to introducing it into routine schedules, catch up campaigns, controlling outbreaks and the challenge of maintaining vaccine stockpiles, use of conjugate and polysaccharide vaccines
https://www.meningitis.org/mrf-conference-2017
The Journal of Biomarkers in Drug Development (JBDD) promotes rigorous research that makes a significant contribution in advancing knowledge for Biomarkers in Drug Development. JBDD includes all major themes pertaining to Biomarkers used in Drug Development.
This ppt will provide you a brief yet effective information about major types of biomarkers, their definitions, their significance in disease dignosis & treatment, how they are being & are developed to be used as an effective dignostic tool for Cancer & their other future implications in other fields of medicine.
Current situation in the meningitis belt, impact of MenAfriVac, countries that have introduced or committed to introducing it into routine schedules, catch up campaigns, controlling outbreaks and the challenge of maintaining vaccine stockpiles, use of conjugate and polysaccharide vaccines
https://www.meningitis.org/mrf-conference-2017
The Journal of Biomarkers in Drug Development (JBDD) promotes rigorous research that makes a significant contribution in advancing knowledge for Biomarkers in Drug Development. JBDD includes all major themes pertaining to Biomarkers used in Drug Development.
This ppt will provide you a brief yet effective information about major types of biomarkers, their definitions, their significance in disease dignosis & treatment, how they are being & are developed to be used as an effective dignostic tool for Cancer & their other future implications in other fields of medicine.
Evaluation factors contributing to the treatment default by tuberculosis pati...PUBLISHERJOURNAL
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the biggest public health problem and now ranks alongside Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) as the world’s leading infectious cause of death. Globally, patient compliance with anti-TB therapy estimated as low as 40% in developing countries, remains the principle cause of treatment failure. The aim of this study was to establish the factors contributing to treatment default by Tuberculosis patients at ART clinic in Ishaka Adventist Hospital, Bushenyi District. A cross-sectional and descriptive study which employed both qualitative and quantitative approach of data collection were used. The study was conducted in ART clinic at Ishaka Adventist Hospital, Bushenyi District and it took a period of four weeks. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Results showed that out of 38 study participants, majority 26 (68%) were of age 30 years and above. A large proportion 24 (63%) of the participants were unemployed compared to the least 14 (37%) who were employed. Majority 21 (55%) travel at a distance of 10km and above to get TB treatment. Out of 38 participants, majority 26 (68%) did not informed the family or friends when they were on TB treatment. Of 26 participants 16 (61.5%) had fear of being isolated and 2 (7.7%) were other reason of no support. A large proportion of participants rated the attitude of staff who attended to them at the health facility to be unfriendly with 21 (55%) while very few 6 (16%) were rude. The ministry should ensure availability of and access to resources for strengthening systems for delivery of quality tuberculosis treatment, prevention and control.
Keywords: treatment, default, tuberculosis, ART, Uganda
Evaluation factors contributing to the treatment default by tuberculosis pati...PUBLISHERJOURNAL
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the biggest public health problem and now ranks alongside Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) as the world’s leading infectious cause of death. Globally, patient compliance with anti-TB therapy estimated as low as 40% in developing countries, remains the principle cause of treatment failure. The aim of this study was to establish the factors contributing to treatment default by Tuberculosis patients at ART clinic in Ishaka Adventist Hospital, Bushenyi District. A cross-sectional and descriptive study which employed both qualitative and quantitative approach of data collection were used. The study was conducted in ART clinic at Ishaka Adventist Hospital, Bushenyi District and it took a period of four weeks. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Results showed that out of 38 study participants, majority 26 (68%) were of age 30 years and above. A large proportion 24 (63%) of the participants were unemployed compared to the least 14 (37%) who were employed. Majority 21 (55%) travel at a distance of 10km and above to get TB treatment. Out of 38 participants, majority 26 (68%) did not informed the family or friends when they were on TB treatment. Of 26 participants 16 (61.5%) had fear of being isolated and 2 (7.7%) were other reason of no support. A large proportion of participants rated the attitude of staff who attended to them at the health facility to be unfriendly with 21 (55%) while very few 6 (16%) were rude. The ministry should ensure availability of and access to resources for strengthening systems for delivery of quality tuberculosis treatment, prevention and control.
Keywords: treatment, default, tuberculosis, ART, Uganda
EVI and Hilleman Laboratories announce partnership to assess a new vaccine ag...hillemanlabs
Funding from European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) will allow testing of a novel whole-cell inactivated oral vaccine in clinical trials in Europe and Africa.
Newer diagnostic methods in tuberculosis detectionApollo Hospitals
One-third of the world's population has been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, with new infections occurring in about 1% of the population each year. However 90–95% of infections remain asymptomatic. Thus early diagnosis of tuberculosis and drug resistance improves survival and helps to promote contact tracing, implementation of institutional cross-infection procedures, and other public-health actions. There have been many advances and modifications to the methodology for tuberculosis diagnosis some of which are very promising. But these advances have not kept pace with the explosion of tuberculosis or the outbreak of drug resistant tuberculosis. This review describes some of the newer advances in tuberculosis diagnostics and the challenges they face.
Biomarker is an objective measure that has been evaluated and confirmed either as an indicator of physiologic health, a pathogenic process or a pharmacologic response to a therapeutic intervention. Biomarkers, whether produces by normal healthy individuals or by individuals affected by specific systemic diseases, are tell tale molecules that could be used to monitor health status, disease onset, treatment response and outcome.The biomarkers can help for the determination of present as well as future disease activity along with diagnosis and previous periodontal diseases.
The Diagnostic & Testing virtual conference held on the 11th June 2020 was an inspiring event examining the role of both molecular and rapid diagnostics in tackling disease, infection and reducing the impact of COVID-19 within our communities and hospitals. The virtual conference explored how health professionals, academics and industry are driving diagnostic and testing usage within laboratories, pharmacies and community practice.
The conference built upon the UK Diagnostics Summit held annually in London discussed how diagnostics and testing are tackling COVID-19, the technology in development, accuracy of COVID-19 tests as well as exploring current testing methods for cancer, diabetes, sepsis, urinary tract infections and HAI’S.
Biosensor for Early Detection of Breast Cancer - LIKA-CESAR PartnershipCESAR
Learn more about the Brazilian project that won silver medal in the 2014 iGEM synthetic biology in Boston / USA. A partnership between C.E.S.A.R and LIKA-UFPE.
Oral cancer is the most significant and growing concern worldwide. It ranks as 3rd in India and 8th
largest prevalent form of cancer in world. Oral cancer is often diagnosed, only after reached to an untreatable
stage. Early detection and prevention are the major objectives to control the oral cancer. Histopathology
analysis of biopsied lesion followed by visual examination is the current clinical procedure. This procedure is
invasive and requires a waiting period for the diagnostic results. Thus, there is a need to develop a non-invasive
screening device for oral cancer detection. Optical imaging has emerged as effective tool for detecting
malignant changes associated with oral cancer and also effective in assisting with the detection of oral mucosal
abnormalities. Hence, this paper focuses on development of non-invasive, real-time diagnostic tool based on
optical imaging technique in which involves - fluorescence emission and diffuse reflectance imaging modalities
for screening of oral cancer.
1- MarketingBefore putting the product into the market, the prod.docxmonicafrancis71118
1- Marketing
Before putting the product into the market, the product goes through several stages. One of the most important stages is to determine the price of the product. After that, it will be studied by asking questions to customers and anticipate their requirements in terms of shape, colour phrases recorded on it. It can be applied using servery or interview the customer. Finally, the product needs to be promoting before it is been released, so electronic, and visual and audio can be used as advertising. However, in this experiment, we will focus only on the total cost of the product and then work on finding who develops the product….[9] [10].
1.1 Estimating of the total price.
For the antibiotic spray, it can be estimate the total price depend on the type of the material which were be used. Thus, the material in the table estimates the total price.
Material
Discerption
Brand/ manufacture
Price Ink VAT.
[1] Cefuroxime(as Cefuroxime sodium) 1.5 gram.
CEFUROXIME is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It is used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections
£4.70
[2] Sterile Water (1000ml)
Single Bottle of Sterile Water (1000ml)
Baxter
£3.54
[3] 73.5 mg of sodium
Sodium Bicarbonate 2kg - Pharmaceutical Grade (Bicarb/Bicarbonate of Soda)
£6.49
[1] Metronidazole
Metronidazole 500mg/100ml infusion 100ml bags (A A H Pharmaceuticals Ltd)
£63.86
[4] Phosphatebuffer (pKa=7.2)
PBS405.1 Virtual PHOSPHATE BUFFERED SALINE pH 7.4 10X Liquid Concentrate, 1L
£22.75
[5] Brilliant Blue FCF
1 kilogram
£6-8
[6] 100ml Stainless Steel
Empty stainless bottle spray
£7-9
Total price
£118
2- Companies and industry
There are many companies interested to work on or collaborate for developing the antibiotic. Following, there are some of the companies, Charities and universities, which they work hardly to improve public health and more specifically in the development of antibiotics. Thus, the product will be a focuses for them and new idea that can be started to develop and prove its effectiveness. Then, it can be put in the market, which many people can take advantage of the ease and licences of the product.
2.1. GSK Company [13]
At GSK, they are at the forefront of researching new ways to tackle some of the world’s biggest healthcare challenges. So as antibiotic resistance grows, they are investing in new ways to fight infection.
Their approach is to make the most of their own expertise and experience, while at the same time forming complementary partnerships and alliances with others who bring different kinds of expertise. Their vision for the world, where everyone has access to the vaccines they need, depends on a steady supply of great ideas and brilliant science. They have much to offer and through collaboration, they can achieve so much more.
For example, more than 90% of the vaccines in their pipeline are being developed in partnership with others. They have a long track rec.
1- MarketingBefore putting the product into the market, the prod.docx
TB biomarker media release
1. 1
PRESS RELEASE
15 December 2011 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NUS partners FIND to discover novel biomarkers for Tuberculosis
detection
• NUS research team develops new methodology for detecting TB using novel TB
biomarkers
• NUS will collaborate with FIND to translate this technology into a TB diagnostic test
used at point-of-care
Singapore, 15 December 2011– A research team from the National University of Singapore
(NUS) Singapore Lipidomics Incubator (SLING) is collaborating with the Foundation for
Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) to identify novel target molecules to be employed as
biomarkers for the detection of active tuberculosis (TB). The aim is to translate these targets
into a diagnostic test that is affordable, easy to use and produces rapid results, and that can
be used by community health workers in poor countries.
Scientists have attempted to develop a simple and accurate antigen test to detect TB for
many years, with little success. The World Health Organization (WHO) has yet to endorse
any such test, since it has not deemed that any of the existing examples are of sufficient
accuracy for clinical use. The major reason for this failure is the lack of suitable TB-specific
biomarkers for diagnostic product development. So far, only a very limited number of
antigens have been investigated for this purpose.
“A sensitive, pathogen-specific, point-of-care test for TB case detection would represent a
breakthrough in TB diagnostics for disease endemic settings, but we have so far been
hampered by a lack of appropriate biomarkers,” said Dr Gerd Michel, Senior Technology
Officer at FIND, who is FIND’s project leader. “Through our partnership with NUS, we aim to
address this fundamental gap by developing high performance reagents, which we will be
able to then convert into a laboratory–free rapid test for TB.”
The technology supported by this partnership is based on research conducted by Associate
Professor Markus Wenk, Principal Investigator at NUS SLING, and his team. This revealed
that certain mycolic acids - molecules found on the cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(the bacterium causing TB) - are specific TB disease markers. The study analysed sputum
samples from close to 200 individuals with pulmonary TB, some of whom were also infected
with HIV. These samples were obtained from patients and endemic controls in South Korea,
Vietnam, Uganda and South Africa, i.e. countries with a significant burden of TB.
The NUS research team used high resolution mass spectrometry to determine the precise
bacterial remnant in sputum. Based on this analysis, they were able to separate non-TB
patients from those with active TB infection, with diagnostic results better than the most
2. 2
widely used TB diagnostic test - sputum smear microscopy (see Annex A for more
information on TB and current diagnostics).
The high resolution mass spectrometry methodology is complementary to existing TB
diagnostics, and is also fast, providing results within a day. The team also revealed in a
preclinical study that their methodology could distinguish between active TB cases and
cases that had been cured from TB. This research is one of the early accomplishments of
the new NUS SLING, which was established in end 2010. The research data from this study
are due to be published in a leading scientific journal, EMBO Molecular Medicine1
. The study
was funded by the National Research Foundation of Singapore and the Novartis Institute of
Tropical Diseases.
“This study is an excellent example of translational research. First, basic biomedical
investigation is integrated with current medical practice to assess the potential clinical utility
of a new biomarker. We then use the results to convert a technology platform developed at
NUS into a commercial diagnostic product, thus translating basic science into medical
practice. In this case, now that we have successfully identified mycolic acids as a marker for
TB infection, we plan to work with the NUS Department of Microbiology to develop
antibodies specific to mycolic acid for detection by immunoassay,” said Assoc Prof Markus
Wenk, who is also from the NUS Department of Biochemistry and Department of Biological
Sciences.
While NUS will focus on the technology development of the diagnostic test, FIND will provide
their extensive expertise in diagnostic product development. If successfully developed, this
test would enter evaluation and demonstration studies, and then be submitted for
endorsement by the WHO, before being rolled out in TB-endemic countries. The NUS
Industry Liaison Office has filed a patent application for the technology, and also facilitated
the research and license agreements.
“Given the worldwide rise of multidrug-resistant TB, I strongly welcome any new test that is
able to accurately diagnose TB. I believe it would be equally interesting to see if this
molecular marker can accurately reflect clearance of the bacteria from the lungs, in order to
monitor treatment response in patients,” said Dr Timothy Barkham, Director, The Molecular
Biology Laboratory, Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
-end-
Media enquiries may be directed to:
Chan Yiu Lin
Greener Grass Communications (For NUS Enterprise)
Mobile: (65) 9-765 5897
Email: yiulin@greenergrass.com.sg
Beatrice Gordis
Communications Officer FIND
Email : Beatrice.gordis@finddiagnostics.org
Tel : (44) 22 710 9310
1
DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201100185 – Abstract can be found at
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/emmm.201100185/abstract
3. 3
About the National University of Singapore (NUS)
A leading global university centred in Asia, the National University of Singapore (NUS) is
Singapore’s flagship university which offers a global approach to education and research,
with a focus on Asian perspectives and expertise.
NUS has 16 faculties and schools across three campuses. Its transformative education
includes a broad-based curriculum underscored by multi-disciplinary courses and cross-
faculty enrichment. Over 36,000 students from 100 countries enrich the community with their
diverse social and cultural perspectives.
NUS has three Research Centres of Excellence (RCE) and 21 university-level research
institutes and centres. It is also a partner for Singapore’s 5th RCE. NUS shares a close
affiliation with 16 national-level research institutes and centres. Research activities are
strategic and robust, and NUS is well-known for its research strengths in engineering, life
sciences and biomedicine, social sciences and natural sciences. It also strives to create a
supportive and innovative environment to promote creative enterprise within its community.
For more information, please visit www.nus.edu.sg.
About NUS Enterprise
NUS Enterprise was established as a University-level cluster to provide an enterprise
dimension to NUS teaching and research involving the University’s students, staff and
alumni. The functions of the Enterprise Cluster complement the academic cluster of the
University to nurture talents with an entrepreneurial and global mindset. NUS Enterprise
promotes the spirit of innovation and enterprise through Experiential Education, Industry
Engagement & Partnerships and Entrepreneurship Support. The NUS Industry Liaison Office
is a division of NUS Enterprise. www.nus.edu.sg/enterprise
About FIND
The Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics is dedicated to developing affordable, easy-
to-use and cutting edge diagnostic tests that save lives in the poorest areas of the world.
From the initial idea and discovery stage to putting new tests into practice, the organization
works with multiple and diverse groups, from academia, industry, donors, partners in the
field, Ministries of Health and the World Health Organization. With five new diagnostic tools
for TB already in use, FIND also has established programmes in malaria and sleeping
sickness, and has begun working on other neglected diseases, such as leishmaniasis.
Launched in 2003, the not-for-profit Foundation is ISO certified and financed by both the
private and public sectors, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Government of the
Netherlands, the European Union, UNITAID, UK Department for International Development,
National Institutes of Health (USA), UBS Optimus Foundation and others.
About National Research Foundation
The National Research Foundation (NRF), set up on 1 January 2006, is a department within
the Prime Minister's Office. The NRF sets the national direction for research and
development (R&D) by developing policies, plans and strategies for research, innovation and
enterprise. It also funds strategic initiatives and builds up R&D capabilities and capacities by
nurturing local talents and attracting foreign ones. For more information, please visit
www.nrf.gov.sg.
4. 4
Annex A - About Tuberculosis and existing diagnostic methods
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The disease
remains a major global health threat, with over nine million new cases, and close to two
million deaths, annually. In Singapore alone, some 1,500 new cases2
are detected each
year, with foreigners accounting for over a third of these cases. The worldwide epidemic is
further fuelled by co-infections with HIV, as well as the rapid emergence of drug–resistant
strains of the TB bacteria.
Diagnosis of TB is primarily done by sputum smear microscopy, where a patient’s sputum
sample is examined under a microscope for the presence of stained bacteria. This
conventional method is over a hundred years old, and has the disadvantages of being
labour-intensive and having a poor sensitivity of less than 60%3
. Furthermore, this method is
extremely insensitive for extrapulmonary TB, TB in children and in patients with TB-HIV co-
infection. Other TB diagnostic methods, which are more sensitive, can be expensive and it
may take several days to weeks for the results to be delivered, thereby delaying initiation of
treatment and increasing the risk of transmission.
Rapid, accurate and affordable diagnostic tests for TB are therefore urgently needed to fight
the disease on a global basis.
2
Ministry of Health, Singapore
3
Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 196, Issue Supplement 1