Researchers at the BRIC–Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, have received a ₹7 crore grant to develop an automated diagnostic device for detecting early signs of cervical cancer through a blood sample. The proposed technology aims to reduce the need for invasive diagnostic procedures and minimise reliance on specialised technical expertise, potentially making early detection more accessible. The project has received support through the MAHA MedTech Mission, launched by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Gates Foundation. BRIC-RGCB is undertaking the research in collaboration with IndZita Biotech Private Limited, a start-up based in Thiruvananthapuram, and Karkinos Healthcare Private Limited (KHPL), based in Barshi, Maharashtra. Together, the partners aim to translate the research findings into a practical diagnostic platform for future clinical use.
RGCB Project Selected from More Than 1,000 Proposals
Dr. Beena Pillai, Director of RGCB, expressed pride in the research team’s success in securing the grant. She noted that the Anusandhan National Research Foundation received more than 1,000 proposals, of which only 33 were selected for support. RGCB’s selection highlights the potential of its research to advance medical diagnostics and improve access to early cancer detection.
Nanopore Technology to Enable Blood-Based Cancer Detection
The proposed diagnostic device will detect piRNA-based biomarkers in blood samples and analyse them using nanopore technology, a sensitive molecular detection platform. By combining biomarker detection with automated analysis, the researchers aim to develop a rapid testing system that requires minimal specialised training. Consequently, the technology could eventually extend testing beyond highly specialised laboratory environments, subject to successful development and validation.
Dr. Jackson James, the project’s lead researcher, explained the vision behind the device. “The idea is to make the technology simple enough to be used beyond specialised laboratory settings. Once the device is fully developed and validated, a patient would only need to provide a blood sample, after which the automated system would perform the analysis,” he said.
New Approach Could Improve Access to Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical cancer remains a significant public-health concern in India. Although screening and early detection can identify cervical abnormalities before they progress to invasive disease, access to appropriate screening services remains uneven. In particular, underserved communities may face challenges due to limited laboratory infrastructure, a shortage of trained personnel and inadequate access to specialised diagnostic facilities. To address these barriers, the RGCB-led project aims to develop a minimally invasive, automated and potentially rapid blood-based diagnostic approach. If successfully developed and clinically validated, the technology could help expand access to cervical cancer screening, particularly in settings with limited diagnostic infrastructure. Dr. Ani V. Das, a member of the research team, highlighted the potential benefits of the proposed platform.
“The technology is designed to be minimally invasive, require limited technical intervention and potentially provide faster and more accessible testing. Our objective is to develop a platform that could eventually support screening and early detection in settings where conventional laboratory infrastructure is limited,” she said.
Patent Secured as Device Development Progresses
The research team has already secured a patent for the technology and completed laboratory-scale validation using cell cultures and mouse models. In addition, the researchers have completed a pilot study involving human blood samples at the laboratory scale. The team is now developing an early-stage prototype of the diagnostic device. This phase will help translate the underlying research into a functional system that can undergo further evaluation. However, additional studies will be necessary to establish the device’s diagnostic accuracy, reliability and suitability for clinical use. The technology will also require appropriate clinical validation and regulatory approval before it can be adopted for routine screening.
RGCB Team Advances Next-Generation Cancer Diagnostics
The project team includes Dr. Jackson James, Dr. Ani V. Das and Dr. Mahendran K. R. from BRIC-RGCB. Working with their industry partners, the researchers aim to transform the laboratory findings into an automated diagnostic platform that could support more accessible cervical cancer screening. As per the press release, the initiative seeks to combine molecular biomarker detection with nanopore technology to develop a practical alternative for future diagnostic applications. If further development and clinical validation prove successful, the platform could contribute to earlier detection and help address gaps in access to cervical cancer screening across India.