Clinical trials

PP016 is a FIND-sponsored retrospective clinical performance study evaluating rapid molecular point-of-care (mPOC) tests for the detection of Mpox virus (MPXV) using archived lesion swab specimens collected in Uganda. Conducted at the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) in Kampala, the study compares up to three investigational assays-Genes2Me VZV-Q, KH Medical RADI-ONE Mpox, and SD Biosensor STANDARD M10 MPX/OPX-against the BioPerfectus laboratory PCR reference test. The primary objective is to determine the sensitivity and specificity of each assay for detecting MPXV in archived positive and negative samples, while secondary analyses assess performance by Ct value and viral clade. The study uses a blinded, non-interventional case-control design with de-identified specimens collected since 2020. Approximately 80 samples per device evaluation are included. PP016 was initiated in response to ongoing mpox outbreaks and the need for accurate decentralized diagnostics in low-resource settings. The study complies with ISO 20916, ICH-GCP principles where applicable, and Ugandan ethical and regulatory requirements, with findings expected to support future regulatory approvals and implementation of rapid mpox diagnostics in low- and middle-income countries

This project supports the development of a non-invasive diagnostic tool for malaria, focusing on validating the link between VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and malaria infection using thermodynamic sensors. This technology aims to provide rapid, painless alternatives to blood-based diagnostics, enabling malaria detection without invasive sampling. Trace Sensing has already identified six potential VOC biomarkers based on published literature specific for malaria. Two of these are part of the company's existing library and can already be detected in purified form by the TRACE-E device, while the others are under active evaluation. To confirm the suitability of the selected VOC biomarkers for diagnosing malaria and strengthen the detection algorithm, high-quality, robust clinical data from well-characterized biological specimens are required. In partnership with Gondar University in Ethiopia, breath samples will be collected from individuals (12 years and older) suspected of having malaria presenting at two health clinics. PCR performed on blood samples will serve as reference method to confirm infection status, while non-invasive clinical breath tests will be performed using the TRACE-E device. The resulting data will confirm whether the six candidate malaria VOC biomarkers can be detected in patient breath, and if other VOC biomarkers can be detected as well. This study will therefore act as a malaria VOC biomarker confirmation study.

This prospective multicentre study is planned to evaluate the next generation LAM assays and molecular diagnostics (POC and near POC) among people with presumptive Tuberculosis. The DriveDx4TB study aims to generate evidence needed to accelerate the introduction of three new classes of TB diagnostics, complemented by alternative sampling for use at primary healthcare and community settings. To this end, the study will leverage the accelerated innovation spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the rapid development of swab-based sampling and molecular diagnostic (MDx) platforms.