New sickle cell anaemia screening test kit to cost less than Rs 100, to be launched soon: DG-CSIR
'This affordable test kit uses one drop of blood collected from the patient, undergoes the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and results are available in half an hour. The test will identify whether the person is a patient, a carrier or at risk and we are hoping to bring it to the market in the next six months,' the CSIR chief said on the sidelines of the second edition of the National Scientists Round Table Conference (NSRTC) 2025.
The three-day event,(July 18 to 20) was inaugurated today at MIT World Peace University.
Sickle Cell Disease is caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene and leads to chronic anaemia, severe pain episodes and organ damage. However despite its serious health impact, the disease often remains neglected due to limited awareness and underdiagnosis – especially in remote areas.
India accounted for 14.5 per cent of the global SCD births in 2023 with over 42,000 newborns affected that year. The country launched a National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission in July 2023. However parallel scientific initiatives have been underway and across CSIR labs the focus was on point-of-care diagnostic tools.
'While the screening test kit is expected to cost less than Rs 100, we are also aiming to bring down the treatment cost to Rs 50 lakh. The treatment for one patient is estimated at Rs 28 crore in the United States and focused efforts are underway at our labs on genome editing approaches for correcting the sickle cell mutation for a potential cure. We are hoping to bring down the treatment cost to approximately Rs 50 lakh,' Dr Kalaiselvi said.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now playing a vital role across multiple sectors, including energy and road traffic management. The DG CSIR spoke about some of the success stories including the project i-RASTE and how the initiative is in the process of expanding to other states. 'In the field of experimental chemistry and materials science, AI is transforming the way we explore new interfaces — for example, when selecting metals or materials. Traditionally, an experimental chemist would go through multiple trial-and-error cycles, but AI can now help minimize the number of iterations by predicting likely outcomes,' the DG-CSIR said. 'In battery technology, particularly with lithium cobalt oxide batteries used in mobile phones, overcharging can lead to thermal runaway and potentially cause fires. AI is now being integrated into battery management systems to detect overheating early and automatically cut off charging to prevent such incidents,' she added. AI also holds great promise in reducing the cost and time involved in scientific research. 'While the exact cost savings are yet to be quantified, the potential is clear,' Dr Kalaiselvi added.
On hydrogen technology, the DG-CSIR said that Indian Oil Corporation is making significant investments. She also mentioned hydrogen adoption in e-mobility has been limited so far because of high costs around $3 per kg. 'For hydrogen to become economically viable, especially for widespread use in transportation, the cost needs to come down to around $1 per kg.'
In her keynote address, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, DG-CSIR, said, 'Nobel laureates like Einstein said truth is science, and Tagore believed science is truth but after visiting MIT-WPU, I would add that science is also peace. What's truly inspiring is the mindset shift among students, they're not just seeking jobs, they're building startups and creating employment. This silent revolution is made possible through science and must be nurtured,' she said. Prof. Dr. Ashutosh Sharma, Former Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Dr Shekhar Mande, former DG-CSIR and Dr. Vijay . Bhatkar, Founder Director, C-DAC was also present at the inaugural event .
On the occasion the prestigious Vigyan Maharshi Award was posthumously conferred upon the late Dr. Jayant Narlikar, one of India's most celebrated astrophysicists. The award, which carries a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, was received by his daughter, Dr. Leelavati Narlikar.
Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition.
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