LifeCell and HaystackAnalytics ink strategic pact to scale-up TB whole genome sequencing pan-India

LifeCell, one of India’s leading comprehensive healthcare solutions providers, announced the launch of a revolutionary genetic test – ?TB (Omega TB) in partnership with HaystackAnalytics, a genomics based health-tech startup. The collaboration marks LifeCell’s foray into the genetic testing industry for TB patients. The whole genome-sequencing test, designed by HaystackAnalytics, aims to tackle the looming challenge of drug resistance. Apart from this the test also helps in treating and preventing the spread of tuberculosis (TB) by providing timely, affordable and accurate diagnosis.

The current culture and molecular tests providing limited information can take up to weeks for results. ?TB is a single test that identifies all diagnostic information on TB infections. The test screens resistance of 18 listed antibiotics and shares results in just 10-12 days. The ?TB was launched on June by our Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi at BIRAC’s Biotech Startup Expo 2022 in New Delhi. Mayur Abhaya, managing director & CEO, LifeCell India said, “The launch of this comprehensive genomic analysis and expert-based testing will reshape the landscape of TB testing and diagnosis in the preventive healthcare segment.

LifeCell strives to foray into many such path-breaking diagnostic tests that will help clinicians to serve their patients better with precise diagnosis and timely treatment.” Harnessing the power of next-gen Medtech like genome sequencing, with the government and fraternity’s support, Dr. Anirvan Chatterjee, co-founder, and CEO of HaystackAnalytics said, “Given leading developing economies like the UK have transitioned to TB WGS a long time back, I had the opportunity to develop the test during my time at Oxford University. We are glad to partner with a leading healthcare player, LifeCell.

We share a common goal of bringing world-class facilities and technologically advanced tests to improve the overall healthcare industry in India.” LifeCell’s WGS in collaboration with HaystackAnalytics can identify low-frequency resistance mutations and heterogeneous resistance with greater sensitivity. Moreover, WGS is also well-known in predicting resistant phenotypes against anti-TB drugs, designing optimum personalized treatment regimen, thereby enhancing favourable treatment outcomes in TB endemic settings.

Apart from this, antibiotics such as EMB and PZA genotypic methods are also preferred since phenotypic methods may be more unreliable. With the launch of this affordable genome sequence analysis test, clinicians and patients will have access to one of the most powerful assessment tools to get vital insights and directions. This will help in early prevention and screening of a critical disease like TB. Affordable rates are available for these tests.