- Marketed as ‘CERViSure’ test, DNA Wellness also launches India’s first testing laboratory offering the innovative cervical cancer screening in Ahmedabad
- Priced at Rs 5,500, the test is an essential tool for cervical cancer prevention
- By this Diwali, the company will open dedicated laboratories in Vadodara, Rajkot and Surat in Gujarat, and Mumbai in Maharashtra
- The company will invest Rs 200 croreto set up 100 CERViSure testing labs in India by 2027
- As of now, the testing kits are imported. The company plans to produce locallyover a period of time.
NE HEALTH BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, SEPT 11
DNA Wellness India Private Limited (DNA Wellness) on Tuesday announced the acquisition of exclusive rights to carry out the DNA Ploidy Test, a groundbreaking diagnostic tool developed by the British Columbia Cancer Research Agency, Canada. The test, also known by the brand name, CERViSure, is a quick, accurate, and non-invasive method to detect cervical cancer. Alongside, the company also launched India’s first CERViSure laboratory in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, which will provide easy access to cervical cancer screening to people here. Priced at Rs 5,500, the test is an essential tool for cervical cancer prevention.
Founded in November 2020 and headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, DNA Wellness is a leading player in providing advanced DNA profiling technologies in India. It works in the area of detecting genetic instability to improve patient outcomes for screening of diseases. With a focused mission of achieving a ‘Cervical Cancer-Free India’, the company has introduced the DNA Ploidy Test under the brand name CERViSure test to the Indian market.
A major breakthrough in cervical cancer detection, CERViSure test can help identify cancerous cells, about two years before conventional methods. The test also comes with greater accuracy with 100% specificity and 98% sensitivity.
It is performed by collecting a mucosal sample from the cervix using a specially designed non-invasive brush. The sample is then processed and analysed with AI-backed software, which compares the results of the test against a database of over 50 million patient samples to ensure high accuracy. The lab test will be furnished after 72 hours.
Commenting on the launch of CERViSure, Pathik Bhandari, Co-founder, DNA Wellness, said, “The launch of the DNA Ploidy Test in India is our first step in the direction of realising our vision of a Cervical Cancer-free India. This will empower women across India by giving them access to early detection, thus, improving survival rates of affected patients. Starting with our home market of Gujarat, we will be establishing our dedicated laboratories across India to ensure the widest reach of CERViSure.”
“Going forward, DNA wellness will invest Rs 200 crore to set up some 100 dedicated CERViSure laboratories across India, in a phased manner by 2027, to help the DNA Ploidy reach a maximum number of patients. By October 2024, the company will open dedicated laboratories in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot and Surat,” Bhandari further went on to say.
This will be followed by strategic expansions in other Indian states. DNA Wellness plans to collaborate with hospitals, clinics, and doctors to expand access to the DNA Ploidy Test, aiming to make it available nationwide.
The CERViSure test is recommended at least once in three years for women between 20 and 60 years of age.
Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in India, with some 1.3 lakh new cases and 80,000 deaths reported every year. In Gujarat alone, at least 17,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2023 whereas 1,800 deaths of cervical cancer patients were also reported, according to data by National Cancer Registry Report 2023.
The most common factors that increase the risk of cervical cancer include a long-standing HPV infection especially due to a weakened immune system, obesity, smoking, use of contraceptive medications and giving birth to multiple children. While cervical cancer can be prevented, HPV vaccination and regular screening are highly recommended, suggest medical experts.
CERViSure addresses this by providing an advanced screening option that can detect cancerous changes earlier and more accurately than traditional methods. The existing screening mechanisms cover PAP Smears (which have a sensitivity between 40-55%) and HPV DNA testing, which not only detects the presence of HPV infection – an indicator of high cervical cancer risk.
Throwing light on the significance of this test, Dr Anjana Chauhan, Gynec Oncologist, said, “Cervical cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers among women in India, yet it is also one of the most preventable ones. Early detection is critical to saving lives, and the introduction of the DNA Ploidy Test as part of the CERViSure initiative is a significant advancement. With its high sensitivity and specificity, this test enables us to detect precancerous changes long before they develop into cervical cancer, giving women the opportunity for timely intervention and thus prevention. As we see rising incidences of cervical cancer, such innovations go a long way in improving outcomes and moving us closer to a future where no woman has to face this disease unchecked.”
