Molbio Diagnostics Enhances Cervical Cancer Screening

Molbio Diagnostics Limited, a pioneer in point-of-care molecular diagnostics, recently unveiled their latest innovation, Truenat® HPV-HR Plus, which enables expanded high-risk genotype detection. The chip-based RT-PCR test allows rapid and decentralized detection of eight high-risk genotypes of human papillomavirus (HPV) – which account for over 96% of cervical cancer cases globally. The multicentric validation was supported by the Grand Challenges India, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India under its program “Validating Indigenous Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Tests for Cervical Cancer Screening in India”, making it one of the most trusted, indigenously developed tools for cervical cancer screening in India.

India continues to bear a disproportionate burden of cervical cancer, accounting for nearly 25% of global cases. With more than 1,23,000 new diagnoses and around 77,000 deaths each year, the disease remains the second most common cancer among Indian women — despite being preventable through timely screening.

"Truenat® HPV-HR Plus marks a significant leap in delivering precision diagnostics tailored specifically for the Indian population" said Dr Chandrasekhar Nair, CTO of Molbio Diagnostics Limited. “By including regionally prevalent high-risk HPV genotypes such as HPV 52 and 58, we aim at supporting India's cervical cancer elimination efforts, targeting women’s health in urban and rural areas alike”, he said.

Highlighting the importance of developing homegrown solutions, Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India said “Truenat® HPV-HR Plus represents the kind of diagnostic innovation we need — dependable, scientifically rigorous, locally developed, and built to serve our public health system. It’s a huge step forward in strengthening cervical cancer screening across India.”