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Indias Indigenous CRISPR-Based Feluda Test for COVID-19: Revolutionizing Diagnostics

August 06, 2025Literature2505
Indias Indigenous CRISPR-Based Feluda Test for COVID-19: Revolutionizi

India's Indigenous CRISPR-Based Feluda Test for COVID-19: Revolutionizing Diagnostics

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted approval for the commercial launch of India's indigenous Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) COVID-19 diagnostic test, 'Feluda'. This innovative test, developed in collaboration between the Tata Group and the CSIR-IGIB Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, marks a significant milestone in the country's effort to combat the ongoing pandemic.

Named after the famous fictional detective Feluda from the works of author Kwhelming Ghosh, the 'FNCAS9 Editor Linked Uniform Detection Assay' (or 'Feluda') is a paper-based test strip that can detect the novel coronavirus in less than 30 minutes. This quick turnaround time, coupled with its high accuracy, makes it a substantial improvement over conventional diagnostics.

The Technology Behind Feluda

CRISPR, a revolutionary gene-editing technology, lies at the heart of Feluda's diagnostic capabilities. CRISPR enables researchers to detect specific sequences of DNA within a gene by using an enzyme that functions as molecular scissors to snip them. This capability allows for the precise identification and targeting of the genetic material of the virus causing COVID-19. Moreover, the technology's adaptability means that it can be configured for the detection of other pathogens in the future.

The CSIR research team behind Feluda developed the test strip while working on the sickle cell mission for genome diagnostics and therapeutics. Recognizing the potential of the technology, they quickly pivoted to create a diagnostic test for COVID-19. This innovative use of CRISPR technology in a real-world diagnostic setting is a significant advancement in the field of genomics and public health.

Accuracy and Speed

Feluda surpasses the accuracy of RT-PCR tests, which are currently considered the gold standard in diagnosing COVID-19. According to CSIR, the test achieves a high sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 98%, making it a reliable and efficient diagnostic tool. The quick turnaround time of less than 30 minutes is particularly advantageous for timely intervention and quarantine measures.

Furthermore, the test requires less expensive equipment compared to RT-PCR, making it more accessible and easier to deploy in remote or resource-constrained settings. This affordability and convenience are crucial for expanding diagnostic capabilities across the country and ensuring broader access to testing.

Impact and Future Prospects

The approval of Feluda represents a significant step forward in India's fight against the pandemic. As an indigenous solution, it reduces dependency on imported tests and has the potential to boost the country's diagnostic capabilities. The test's high accuracy and adaptability make it a valuable tool not only in the current pandemic but also in future outbreaks or other infectious diseases.

The US had granted emergency-use approval for the world's first CRISPR-based test for COVID-19, developed by the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard University, back in May. This approval underscores the transformative potential of CRISPR technology in diagnostics.

Conclusion

Feluda is not just an innovative diagnostic tool but also a symbol of India's technological advancements. Its successful deployment will contribute significantly to the country's public health infrastructure and further establish India as a leader in genomics and therapeutic innovations. As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing pandemic, such indigenous solutions hold great promise for more effective and equitable access to diagnostics.

References

Tata Group CSIR-IGIB Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology Kwhelming Ghosh