Scientists from the Philippines, China race to diagnose autoimmune diseases faster
Groundbreaking work could revolutionise early diagnosis of autoimmune diseases
Manila: A groundbreaking joint work by the Filipino and Chinese scientists could soon offer a faster, more accurate way to diagnose autoimmune diseases like lupus and arthritis.
Researchers from the University of San Agustin in Iloilo, Philippines and Tsinghua University in Beijing, China are developing a “rapid diagnostic technology” using peptide science and lipidomics.
The team’s diagnostic device under the project titled "Development of Exosome Probe Chip as Potential Diagnostic for Autoimmune Diseases" could create a faster and more accurate way to diagnose autoimmune diseases.
Renato Solidum, Secretary of the Philippines Department of Science and Technology (DOST) told local media on Tuesday (September 3) that the project “is a testament to how the DOST actively seeks partners who will benefit our communities.”
Microfluidic chip
The heart of the system is a microfluidic chip designed for rapid and accurate testing.
According to Xinhua Silk Road Information Service, the project falls under the SinoPhil CHARRME (“China-Philippines Cooperation for Harnessing and Accelerating Research and Resources on Microvesicles and Exosomes”).
If the new diagnostic kit gets past regulatory hurdles, it could address bottlenecks in diagnosing autoimmune diseases by using peptide technology and lipidomics to examine biomarkers in bodily fluids.
Benefit
The new tool will be less invasive than traditional biopsy methods.
“This (new device under development) would require blood samples as few as 1 ml. The result can be generated after a few days, which is also faster compared to processing biopsy results,” Secretary Solidum told local media.
The DOST and China’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) jointly funded the project, each allocating around 16 million pesos. The project under the joint research programme started in July 2021.
“Developing a diagnostic tool like this is crucial to prevent the diseases from progressing,” Solidum said.
Currently, doctors conduct clinical evaluation, lab tests, imaging studies, biopsies (to confirm lupus) to detect autoimmune diseases.
Jaime Montoya, executive director of the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), expressed optimism about the project's potential to contribute to the advancement of minimally invasive diagnostic technology.
“Early screening is critically important for timely intervention,” Montoya said.
The four-year development phase involved top biochemists and chip technology researchers from both sides who worked on the project, now in its final year of implementation. Solium said the new diagnostic kit could be out by end-2024.
If successful, this breakthrough could significantly improve the lives of millions suffering from these debilitating conditions.
• The project is using peptide technology to examine biomarkers in bodily fluids, making it less invasive than traditional biopsy methods.
• This collaboration between Filipino and Chinese researchers has the potential to revolutionise the early detection and treatment of autoimmune diseases, improving the lives of many.