DCGI approves Sree Chitra’s RNA extraction kits, all set to hit market soon

The RNA extraction kit to test COVID-19, named Chitra Magna, has got final validation from the National Institute of Virology, Alappuzha on May 16. The institute has received official communication from the Drugs Controller of India after approving its RNA kits.

Thiruvananthapuram: The RNA extraction kits developed by Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) in Thiruvananthapuram, are all set to hit the market soon as the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has finally approved the commercial production.

According to sources, the RNA extraction kit to test COVID-19, named Chitra Magna, has got final validation from the National Institute of Virology, Alappuzha on May 16. The institute has received official communication from the Drugs Controller of India after approving its RNA kits.

"Shortage of RNA extraction kits was a major reason for the low number of Covid-19 tests in the country. Currently, RNA extraction kits are imported. With competent agencies approving commercial manufacturing of the kits, it will solve the shortage issue of RNA extraction kits," said, Sree Chitra Institute authorities.

"Since all components of the kit are indigenously made, it will facilitate the speedy production of RNA extraction kits on a large scale. Chitra Magna RNA extraction kit can test COVID 19 by isolating and concentrating RNA from the throat or nose swabs of suspected patients," authorities added.

"In the existing testing procedure, the swab collected from a suspected patient is transported to the COVID testing approved laboratories following the protocol in place. Here, the RNA (Ribo Nucleic Acid) of the SARS CoV-2 virus which causes COVID is isolated from the swab sample. This is then converted into Deoxy Ribo Nucleic Acid (DNA) and amplified using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method or Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) technique. Once the Chitra Gene LAMP-N is marketed, it can reduce the time and cost for diagonalizing Covid-19," authorities further added.

In a comparative study with the test kits available in the market as of now, the concentration of RNA while using Chitra Magna kits has been found to be six to seven times higher than the other kits. This enhances the chances of identifying COVID in a more accurate manner, sources added.

Meanwhile, SCTIMST researchers modifying LAMP-N, a kit developed by the institute as a cheaper, faster, and more accurate alternative to existing kits for RT-PCR tests. The technology has been transferred to Agape Diagnostics and the firm is gearing up for its commercial production.