Gemina Laboratories Ltd. announced significant technical results from its collaboration with ReadyGo Diagnostics Ltd. This represents the first step of Gemina's move into molecular diagnostics adding further diagnostic capability to compliment their lateral flow programme. Results from a collaboration which began in January 2023, Gemina and ReadyGo are proud to announce the successful feasibility of detecting Mycobacterium Tuberculosis ("MTB") in a saliva matrix using the ReadyGo GEO platform. This breakthrough in MTB detection paves the way for affordable testing which will have the potential to significantly impact MTB eradication efforts in countries such as India, Indonesia, and other affected regions worldwide.

The feasibility of utilizing saliva as a sample for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis through a molecular diagnostic test has been successfully demonstrated. MTB, commonly referred to as "Tuberculosis", is a highly infectious airborne disease caused by bacteria that affects the lungs, and was responsible for more than 10 million global infections in 2021, causing 1.6 million deaths. Alarmingly, an estimated 4 million infections (2 out of every 5 cases) remain undiagnosed and untreated, enhancing disease control efforts.

Diagnosis in low- to middle-income countries, where MTB is most prevalent, typically relies on sm microscopy using sputum samples. However, these tests have significant limitations, particularly in remote areas and when diagnosing certain patient populations such as children and the elderly, who struggle to produce sputum. This innovative solution will provide results within 30 minutes, anywhere, at an affordable cost.

Following the successful feasibility stage, the team anticipates introducing a compact laboratory instrument retailing for less than $1000, with a per-test cost of $5, enabling field testing near patients.