NeoDx Biotech Labs, a Bengaluru-based startup has launched Real-time PCR-Technology-based in vitro diagnostic (IVD) kit for Ankylosing Spondylitis & empowers healthcare services to improve their testing capabilities. 

The real-time PCR test kit, HLA-B27 RT-PCR detection kit for Exon 2/Exon 3, is used to find Human Leukocyte Antigen B27 in whole blood. The inflammatory disorders Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Psoriasis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Reactive Arthritis are highly correlated with HLA-B27. Early identification and treatment of these illnesses can benefit from HLA-B27 testing.

Around 0.25% population in India is estimated to be affected by these diseases. A recent study published in the Indian Journal of Rheumatology analysed different factors related to Axial Spondyloarthritis and revealed that close to 70% of AS patients are misdiagnosed for the initial 3 years or more, worsening their condition.

The kit has undergone extensive testing and performance assessment, and it has been demonstrated to be extremely sensitive and specific as well as compatible with the majority of commercially available RT-PCR systems. The kit contains all the reagents and controls required to carry out the tests.