ICMR Invites EoI for Plasmodium Diagnostic Technology Transfer and commercialization
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from eligible organizations for the transfer of technology and commercialization of an advanced diagnostic process designed to differentiate Plasmodium species responsible for malaria.
The technology, developed at the ICMR–National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), Delhi, enables accurate identification of the four major human malaria parasites—Plasmodium vivax, P. falciparum, P. malariae, and P. ovale. Interested organizations can apply through the ICMR Patent Mitra portal by April 6, 2026.
Technology Overview
- Technology ID: ICMR/EoI/PM/13/Plasmodium sp. Differentiator/2026
- Lead Inventor: Dr. Neelima Mishra
- Domain: Diagnostics
- Disease Area: Vector-borne diseases (malaria)
This innovation is based on a mitochondrial PCR-RFLP assay, offering a highly sensitive and cost-effective alternative to conventional diagnostic methods such as microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs).
Why This Technology Matters
Accurate detection of malaria species is critical for effective treatment and disease control. The newly developed assay can detect as few as 0.5 parasites per microliter, making it especially useful for identifying:
- Low-density infections
- Mixed-species infections
By enabling species-specific diagnosis, the technology supports timely and appropriate treatment decisions, which is crucial for reducing disease burden and preventing complications.
Key Advantages
- Single-step PCR process for identifying all four major Plasmodium species
- Rapid enzymatic digestion for quick results
- Higher sensitivity compared to gold-standard nested PCR
- Reduced turnaround time
- Cost-effective and scalable for public health settings
Validation and Readiness
The technology has reached Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5, indicating validation at both laboratory and third-party levels. It has also been validated in a WHO-accredited Quality Control Laboratory at NIMR, demonstrating superior sensitivity and reliability.
Public Health Impact
From a public health perspective, this diagnostic tool addresses major gaps in malaria detection, particularly in cases where traditional methods fail. It holds significant promise for:
- Malaria elimination programs
- Public health laboratories
- Surveillance systems
- Clinical diagnostics and treatment planning
Market Potential
The technology has strong commercialization potential due to its ability to deliver accurate, rapid, and cost-effective malaria diagnosis. It is particularly relevant for:
- Diagnostic manufacturers
- Research institutions
- Public health agencies
- Global health programs
Its capability to improve detection of mixed and low-parasite infections makes it a valuable asset in both endemic and elimination settings.
Intellectual Property & Publication
- Indian Patent: 426216
- PCT Application: WO2016120886
Reference Publication:
Sharma, Supriya et al. (2020). Novel molecular diagnostic technique for detecting different species of Plasmodium. Infection, Genetics and Evolution, 78: 104122.
How to Apply
Eligible organizations interested in technology transfer and commercialization can submit their EoI through the official portal:
🔗 https://patentmitra.icmr.org.in/company-eoi-registration/
Deadline: April 6, 2026
This initiative reflects ICMR’s continued efforts to translate research into impactful healthcare solutions and strengthen India’s capabilities in diagnostics and infectious disease management.
Appl via https://patentmitra.icmr.org.in/company-eoi-registration/
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