Infectious Disease Diagnostics Redefined by Emerging Technologies

The demand for high-throughput automated diagnostic platforms and point-of-care (POC) testing devices is being driven by governments attempting to minimize healthcare expenditure, owing to economic and political pressures.

The Growth Partnership Company, Frost and Sullivan (Mountain View, CA, USA) works in collaboration with clients to leverage innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. A new analysis finds that the market is characterized by the constant introduction of improved devices and technologies. For example, new molecular technologies for the screening of drug-resistant TB are replacing culture-based tests, which are slow, require experienced personnel, and need stringent microbiological safety precautions.

Technical Insights research analyst Geethu Roshan Verghese said, "Startup companies are developing diagnostic technologies from a vast array of sources and disciplines, which is giving rise to new kinds of diagnostic devices. This is the case for molecular diagnostic technologies, where a variety of technology disciplines has converged to create enabling technology platforms that can address factors like low cost and point-of-care usage."

Technical Insights is an international technology analysis business that produces a variety of technical news alerts, newsletters, and research services. This study discusses existing healthcare structure within developing regions and the market impact of key innovations. It identifies the technology roadmap and technology management strategies and also covers some key patents. Further, this study includes detailed technology analysis and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

Sustainable local manufacturing of infectious diagnostic products still remains a challenge for emerging nations. It requires adequate skills and infrastructure at each stage of the process and also a conscious assessment of quality, safety, and regulatory issues. Funding is another challenge. Despite its crucial role in disease control, diagnostics research for infectious diseases receives little funding in comparison with other areas of translational research such as drug and vaccine development.

Research to build diagnostic tests along with a robust detection system also needs predictive markers to be identified and validated. Such a process demands multidisciplinary research groups ranging from life scientists for biomarkers discovery to physicists and engineers for instrument design. In this regard, new business models associated with commercial health management are emerging, and partnerships and alliance models seem to be the best way forward.

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