New TB Diagnostics
More than a century after its original development, the microscopic examination of sputum is still the only widely available diagnostic tool for identifying TB in most developing countries. Unfortunately, the test has a sensitivity of only 40-60% under field conditions, falling as low as 20% in the presence of HIV coinfection. Yet even this diagnostic test remains beyond the reach of the majority of TB patients.
That's why we must develop new diagnostic tools that are cost-effective, accurate, and accessible to patients. The development and introduction of such new tools will contribute towards improved control of the global TB epidemic and improve the quality of patient care.
Our targets are to develop by 2010 diagnostic tests that will allow rapid, sensitive and inexpensive detection of active TB and by 2012 a diagnostic toolbox that accurately identifies people with latent TB infection and those at high risk of progression to disease.
The funding required to support research and development activities for new TB diagnostics amounts to a total of US$0.5 billion. The estimated total financing available among all stakeholders is US$0.1 billion, some of which may be shared costs with industry. The funding gap is therefore estimated at US$0.4 billion.
Charts
Budget requirements for the Working Group on New TB Diagnostics, 2006-2015 [.pdf]
