Pune-based startup Mylab Discovery Solutions, and DnaNudge, a UK-based pioneer of consumer genetics testing and medical diagnostics, have announced a strategic partnership to develop next-generation molecular diagnostic solutions for diabetic foot ulcer detection and other key health conditions.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two companies in the presence of Dr Thaksin Shinawatra, Former Prime Minister of Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatra, Former Prime Minister of Thailand, Regius Professor Chris Toumazou, Co-founder of DnaNudge and Founder of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering at Imperial College London and Hasmukh Rawal, MD of Mylab.

The novel diabetic foot ulcer detection kit will be the first of the many testing kits to be co-developed by the companies. Together, DnaNudge and Mylab will introduce transformative point-of-decision testing kits for health conditions which are of major public health concern in India.

The collaboration between Mylab and DnaNudge aims to save lives and limbs from amputation, in the 80 million diabetic population of India. The diabetic foot ulcer detection kit is one of the world’s first point-of-decision molecular technology solutions, delivering early identification of the spectrum of microbial flora in the ulcer and supporting clinicians to plan appropriate antimicrobial therapy regimes.

The test can identify the bacteria involved in the infection and provide molecular antimicrobial resistance (AMR) results in just over an hour – helping clinicians to determine which antibiotics will be optimally effective against these bacteria, enabling more personalised treatment and reducing the risk of AMR.

The new kits will provide a key tool for the early initiation of therapy, which can play a pivotal role in the management of diabetic foot infections and delivering successful treatment outcomes.

The diagnostic solution for diabetes will be introduced in the markets in the next quarter of this year.