Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone launches India’s first indigenously developed monkeypox RT-PCR kit

The Visakhapatnam-based Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) on August 24 (Saturday) announced a groundbreaking development in diagnostic technology by launching ‘ErbaMDx MonkeyPox RT-PCR Kit’.

The announcement comes at a time when the Union Government has been issuing a series of alerts in the wake of growing concerns about the spread of Mpox, or monkeypox virus, while assuring people that there is no need to worry as no severe case has been detected so far.

Developed in partnership with the Transasia Diagnostics Private Limited, the kit is the country’s first indigenously developed testing solution for Mpox, and is a part of the nation’s epidemic preparedness to manage any potential outbreak of the virus across the country.

The kit has achieved rigorous validation from the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR).

It has also received emergency authorisation from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

The validation underscores the kit’s precision and reliability, and highlights India’s growing capabilities in critical health diagnostics.

The kit stands out with its lyophilized components, which enable it to be shipped and stored at ambient temperatures.

This feature is particularly vital for regions with limited cold chain infrastructure, ensuring that crucial diagnostic tools are accessible even in the most remote areas.

The kit boasts of a 12-month shelf life and zero cross-reactivity with other orthopoxviruses, promising exceptional accuracy and dependability.