TB-MBLA: A test for both diagnosis and monitoring of tuberculosis over time
LifeArc partnered with the University of St Andrews to develop the TB-MBLA – ‘Tuberculosis Molecular Bacterial Load Assay.’
Overview
In 2021, an estimated 10.8 million people developed active TB, resulting in 1.25 million deaths*. There are currently limited options for monitoring the disease, but for the last 8 years, LifeArc has been working with collaborators from the University of St Andrews on developing the TB-MBLA – a test that could be used for both diagnosis and monitoring of TB over time.
The assay targets 16S rRNA from actively growing TB cells, which has been shown to be a more reliable indicator of active infection than DNA targets. In addition, with results available in a few hours, TB-MBLA has significantly shorter time to result compared with methods such as TB culture.
How is the TB-MBLA test being used?
LifeArc has now configured the assay as an RT-qPCR kit suitable for research use only.
The kit was assessed at 4 clinical sites in Tanzania and Uganda in the TIME study (TB DIagnosis and Monitoring Evaluation). The aim of the study is to evaluate how accurate the assay is at detecting TB in sputum samples from participants with pulmonary TB, compared with a number of other established diagnostic methods currently used in TB clinical care around the world.
TIME study completed in 2024, and the results will be shared in late 2025. The next step is to confirm a partner for the assay that will take it forward to achieve patient impact.
*WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2024
Download resources
TB-MBLA RNA standard material safety data sheet
TB-MBLA assay mix material safety data sheet
TB-MBLA extraction control material safety data sheet
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