The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has approved M-Strip device by IOTA Diagnostic. The M-Strip is an indigenously built novel advancement for cervical cancer screening which empowers women to mark themselves safe by self-sampling in the comforts and privacy of their homes. This method for cervical cancer screening using menstrual blood, follows a study conceptualised by Dr Somesh Chandra, the principal investigator, which was carried out in collaboration with Sterling Accuris, a diagnostic chain in northwest India, a statement from IOTA Diagnostic notified.
Vaibhav Shitole, Founder, IOTA Diagnostic, alongside Dr Somesh Chandra, an oncologist from Ahmedabad and Rajiv Sharma from Sterling Accuris are the inventors and co-filers of the patent for the M-Strip device. Recently, the company was granted a design patent for the device by the Indian Patent Office (IPO), informed the statement.
Commenting on the initiative, Shitole stated in the statement, ‘The CDSCO’s approval of M-Strip marks a milestone for IOTA Diagnostic, and represents a significant leap forward in the field of women’s health, particularly in the early detection and screening of cervical cancer and STIs. This technology introduces dual innovations. Firstly, in the diagnostic method, M-Strip leverages the distinctive properties of menstrual blood and benefits from Dried Matrix, through our proprietary material, allowing sample collection and preservation for extended durations for the diagnostic tests. Secondly, innovation extends to the device’s design, facilitating self-sampling in women’s comfort zones and enabling hassle-free shipment without the need for cold environments and transportation media. As a result, this novel approach significantly reduces diagnostic costs for patients in remote locations and even in urban areas, while eliminating the need for sample collection by skilled medical professionals and expensive clinical setups.
The M-Strip, a technology based on a dried blood cell matrix, signifies a monumental leap forward in bio-sampling solutions for women health, it added.
It further mentioned that M-Strip advances cervical cancer screening in two key ways. Firstly, it facilitates easy, convenient and self-empowered sample collection. Secondly, it aligns with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendation by utilising HPV-DNA testing as the primary and preferred screening method.
IOTA is a technology-driven venture working at the interface of lifesciences and engineering to tackle societal and industrial problems and improve healthcare for all, the statement concluded.
