A Bengaluru-based startup helps diagnose a dangerous genetic blood disease.
Story so far: ShanMukha Innovations has created SickleCert, India’s first indigenous diagnostic kit for Sickle cell anaemia (SCA). ShanMukha is a startup incubated by the Society for Innovation and Development at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). In November 2022, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation approved its manufacturing license.
- SickleCert provides highly accurate results in 15 minutes, with only a tiny amount of blood from a finger prick. More than 40 samples can be tested in an hour.
- In February 2023, the startup organised multi-centric field studies across tribal districts in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The tests yielded an accuracy measure of 97.6%.
Why it matters? SCA is a genetic blood disorder caused by a defective Haemoglobin S gene. It turns flexible red blood cells into stiff sickle-shaped cells. This blocks blood flow and increases the chances of organ damage. The disease found mention in the 2023 budget when FM Sitharaman announced the government’s resolve to eliminate the condition by 2047.
- India has the second-highest count of people born with SCA. SCA is more common in tribal communities than in non-tribal ones.
(Image credits: ShanMukha Innovations’ website)