LifeArc is supporting scientists who are testing whether a new smartphone app could improve the detection of two neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that affect more than 100 million people worldwide.

Turning cameras into cost-effective tests

The project is being led by the non-profit scientific venture, Drugs & Diagnostics for Tropical Diseases (DDTD) with funding and support from LifeArc. DDTD has developed rapid, easy-to-use tests for 2 NTDs – lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis. As part of this research, they will work with the mobile technology company, Novarum Dx, which has developed an app that can turn a mobile smartphone into a diagnostic test reader using the phone’s camera. Together, the organisations will see whether the new app can reliably read lateral flow tests (LFTs) for both diseases. If successful, it could provide an accurate, cost-effective testing tool that could speed up treatment, allow for better disease monitoring, and improve outcomes for patients.

Both conditions are classed as NTDs – a diverse group of 21 conditions that are endemic in tropical areas, affecting people across 149 countries. They mostly impact impoverished communities, creating health, social and economic consequences. Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a painful and profoundly disfiguring parasitic disease. According to the World Health Organisation, it currently threatens over 800 million people, of all ages, across 44 countries. The disease can cause swelling in the limbs, kidney damage and permanent disability. Onchocerciasis, known as river blindness, is an eye and skin disease. In 2017, the Global Burden of Disease Study estimated that there were 20.9 million infections worldwide,although up to 99% of cases are found in sub-Saharan Africa. Symptoms include intense skin itching, pain, and swelling. The disease can cause chronic morbidity and severe disability, including blindness.

New test would be more accurate

DDTD will run field trials in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa to evaluate the performance of the LFTs and assess the effectiveness of the mobile app created by Novarum Dx. The data and user feedback will provide useful information about origin, incidence and spread of NTDs. Researchers will also assess the app’s impact and ease of use for healthcare workers.

The development of accurate and efficient tests is essential in the fight against NTDs. Many of the new tests aimed at low- and middle-income countries are LFTs due to their affordability and ease of use. However, methods for interpreting and recording test results and data are often paper-based and prone to human error. A smartphone app that can capture an image, read the test results, interpret the data without human error, and store the result in cloud-based data storage could be vital in the fight against the spread and impact of NTDs. This type of test is also compatible with the World Health Organisation’s ‘Target Product Profile’ for readers of rapid diagnostic tests, which specifies the design features, requirements and characteristics for effective testing. If successful, the app could also be used to monitor and test other NTDs.

Dr Marco Biamonte, President and Founder of Drugs & Diagnostics for Tropical Diseases explains, “After only two months of app development, field data is already extremely promising. I believe that an information system management such as this app will be critical to support ministries of health, not only in interpreting test results, but also in allocating resources and planning the next year’s budget.”

“A big part of our global health strategy is affordable and accessible solutions to health challenges, and the potential impact that smartphone apps could have on testing and treatment for neglected tropical diseases is significant. These diseases affect millions of people in some of the world’s poorest communities. They feed into a cycle of poverty when people become too ill to work or attend school. By investing in new diagnostic tests and data storage, we can ensure more people get access to the treatments they need more quickly, breaking the cycle, and improving overall quality of life.”

Dr Mike Strange, Head of Global Health at LifeArc

LifeArc is investing nearly £300,000 (US $375,886) in this project as part of its NTD Translational Challenge. It will also provide ongoing advice and support to help the teams to overcome common translational research barriers.

More information about LifeArc’s Neglected Tropical Disease Translational Challenge is available here.

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