Tuberculosis remains one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases, demanding relentless innovation and collaboration. "Champions of Change: Organizations Pioneering the Fight Against Tuberculosis" highlights the key players leading the charge against TB—driving breakthroughs in diagnostics, treatment, and prevention. From cutting-edge research to community-based interventions, these organizations are shaping a future free from TB and bringing us closer to eradication.

Mylab Discovery Solutions – Pioneering Indigenous TB Diagnostics

Mylab Discovery Solutions aims to help eliminate TB in India through innovative diagnostic solutions. They developed the PathoDetect kit, India's first indigenous TB detection kit which identifies TB and drug resistance to Rifampicin and Isoniazid in a single test. This RT-PCR-based kit works with Mylab Compact devices for automated testing, processing 8 or more samples in around two hours.

Additionally, Mylab offers the Cy-TB, the next-generation latent TB detection test, launched in partnership with the Serum Institute of India. The test has been recommended for use by the Expert Review Panel (ERP) of the Global Fund.

Further, Mylab introduced MyBeam, a handheld X-ray device designed to facilitate screening in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

These tests enhance TB diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, facilitating early detection and appropriate treatment. Mylab is committed to making TB testing accessible, accurate, and cost-effective.

Molbio Diagnostics – Revolutionizing Rapid TB Testing

Molbio Diagnostics aims to revolutionize healthcare by providing cutting edge, gold standard point-of-care diagnostic solutions,  at the point of care. Their flagship product, the Truenat Real-Time Quantitative micro PCR system, a multi-disease platform enables rapid and accurate TB testing in various settings, including remote areas. This technology decentralizes diagnostics, ensuring early diagnosis and timely treatment initiation.

In its mission to offer a complete end-to-end solution for TB care, Molbio in 2023, added ProRad Atlas, an AI-powered handheld ultra-portable X-ray to its basket of solutions.  Fit for use without any infrastructure, ProRad Atlas can be carried by a technician on a backpack to the last mile and used for mass screening for TB at the community level. This can be followed by a confirmatory test on Truenat. In 2024-2025, Molbio will continue to expand its impact by rolling out other Truenat across the world, enabling governments and treatment providers to fight this epidemic.  Through these efforts, Molbio is committed to significantly reducing the TB burden in India and beyond.

Qure.ai – AI-Powered Breakthroughs in TB Detection

Qure.ai leverages artificial intelligence to enhance tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in India. Their qXR solution analyzes chest X-rays to detect presumptive cases of TB, providing rapid results in just under a minute, significantly reducing diagnosis time. Additionally, their qTrack platform facilitates seamless patient management throughout the diagnostic and treatment process. Deployed across 95+ countries, their technology has impacted over 29 million lives so far, also targeting underserved communities. Both qXR and qTrack have been evaluated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and are CE-certified, reinforcing their reliability in TB screening and patient management. Collaborations with organizations like the India Health Fund and PATH aim to improve early TB detection and patient outcomes, particularly in underserved communities.

Lupin Limited – Advancing TB Treatment and Accessibility

Lupin Limited, with its goal to combat tuberculosis (TB), aims to be the largest global supplier of first-line anti-TB drugs globally. The company's commitment to providing affordable and innovative therapies is bolstered by its strategic partnerships, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The collaborations, including those with the Global Alliance for TB Drug Development and the Indian government, play a crucial role in enhancing access to quality medicines at affordable prices, adopting a collaborative approach to public health.

In 2024-2025, Lupin has continued its commitment to combat tuberculosis by introducing new formulations, including a fixed-dose combination of Rifapentine and Isoniazid, to improve TB prevention and treatment. Lupin’s ongoing partnerships and innovative approaches are a testament to the unwavering vision of a TB-free world.

Cepheid – Transforming TB Diagnostics with Automation

Cepheid is dedicated to improving healthcare by pioneering molecular diagnostics that combine speed, accuracy, and flexibility. The company's GeneXpert® systems and Xpert® tests automate highly complex and time-consuming manual procedures, providing A Better Way for institutions of any size to perform world-class PCR testing. Cepheid’s broad test portfolio spans respiratory infections, blood virology, women’s and sexual health, TB and emerging infectious diseases, healthcare-associated infectious diseases, oncology, and human genetics. The company’s solutions deliver actionable results where they are needed most – from central laboratories and hospitals to near-patient settings.

As per the NTEP Report, in 2023 – over 63000 MDR-TB were Notified, Cepheid’s fight against Drug resistance TB Continues with Xpert MTB/XDR which enables rapid molecular DST. When combined with the frontline Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra test, it sets new standards by detecting mutations associated with resistance to isoniazid (INH), fluoroquinolones (FLQ), second-line injectable drugs (SLIDs), and ethionamide (ETH) in a single test. This assay was recommended and introduced in the Guidelines by NTEP.

ECHO India – Bridging Gaps in TB Knowledge and Care
 

ECHO India, established in 2008, is a pioneering not-for-profit organization transforming healthcare, education, gender, and livelihoods through its collaborative “Hub & Spoke” learning model. By connecting frontline workers with experts and resources, ECHO India enhances capacity-building and addresses disparities across sectors.

In support of the National TB Elimination Programme’s (NTEP) goal to eliminate TB, ECHO India partnered with the Central TB Division (CTD) and other National TB institutions including the National Institute for Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases (NITRD), Delhi, NIRT Chennai, State Tuberculosis Cells (STCs) and State TB Training and Demonstration Centres (STDCs). Through the ECHO model, ECHO has extended its reach to remote areas such as Kupwara, Baramulla, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, and the Northeast, where access to specialized medical care is limited. By connecting various categories of frontline workers with experts, we ensure access to the latest practices and protocols. A key feature of our model is case-based learning, allowing clinicians to present challenging cases and collaboratively find solutions. With over 100 hubs and 7 lakh+ attendances in TB alone, the ECHO Model with its "All Teach, All Learn" approach has become integral to the revamped NTEP, empowering healthcare providers to work towards a TB-free India.

 DeepTek – AI-Driven Lung Health Screening for TB

DeepTek’s AI-powered lung health screening solution offers a seamless, end-to-end approach, operating both online and offline to ensure accessibility in remote areas. It features a robust Patient Registration and Vulnerability Assessment System, while its advanced AI swiftly analyzes Chest X-rays, identifying TB Suspects within a minute. The solution helps in centralizing the data and gives analytics, enabling a data-driven public health strategy.

Beyond TB detection, it identifies 20+ chest pathologies, including pneumonia and other critical conditions. Deployed across 175+ sites, it has extended its reach to some of the most underserved regions. To date, over 2 million individuals have been screened using Genki, significantly impacting global lung health.

Backed by regulatory approvals, the solution is US FDA-cleared, CDSCO-approved, and ICMR validated. In Tamil Nadu, it has played a crucial role in increasing TB detection yield by 25x, significantly enhancing early diagnosis and intervention efforts.

IPE Global – Advancing TB Control Through Innovation
 

IPE Global stands at the forefront of tuberculosis (TB) control programs in India through comprehensive, multi-faceted interventions across the healthcare ecosystem. It provides technical support and policy advisory services, and pilots innovative initiatives to strengthen national and state TB programs. The organization also focuses on enhancing health systems through healthcare worker training, diagnostic network improvement, and digital health integration.

Its flagship initiative, Nikshay Patr, is the world's first Pay-for-Performance program designed to improve the nutritional status and treatment outcomes of TB patients. Led by IPE Global in partnership with the Central TB Division, the Government of Madhya Pradesh, and USAID, this program enabled evidence-based TB management.

Fostering public-private partnerships, IPE Global drives collaborative initiatives like the Corporate TB Pledge, which engages the corporate sector in TB prevention, through joint efforts with government and international development partners. The organization, through innovative financing approaches, also facilitates investments toward scale-up of market-based solutions to improve the accessibility and affordability of TB diagnostic services in underserved communities.
 

BD (Becton, Dickinson, and Company) – Strengthening TB Detection and Management

Becton Dickinson (BD) in India is actively involved in tuberculosis (TB) detection through innovative diagnostic solutions and strategic partnerships. They have developed the BACTEC MGIT automated mycobacterial detection system, which helps in detecting TB drug sensitivity, aiding in the fight against multi-drug resistant TB. Over 100 of these systems have been installed across India.

BD continues its commitment to TB elimination through initiatives like the TB Guardianship Program, launched to enhance knowledge exchange among healthcare professionals on effective TB diagnostic practices. Additionally, BD has introduced Project SANKALP, a catalytic effort aimed at strengthening TB detection and management by supporting patients throughout their treatment journey. This project facilitates early detection and timely management of TB cases, aligning with India's goal to eliminate TB by 2025. BD's efforts are part of the broader Corporate TB Pledge, supporting the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) in India

Fighting Tuberculosis with Innovation: Premas Life Sciences and Uncoded Lead the Way

Uncoded by Premas Life Sciences is transforming drug-resistant TB detection with its tNGS Panel—a faster, more precise, and cost-effective solution. Backed by the WHO’s latest TB guidelines, this innovation enables rapid, high-accuracy screening and supports India’s fight against TB.
 

As India intensifies efforts to eliminate TB, Uncoded by Premas Life Sciences (PLS) is pioneering a breakthrough in drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) diagnostics. With the introduction of Amplicon-Based Targeted Gene Sequencing (tNGS) Panels, Uncoded aims to revolutionize TB detection by offering:

●    Faster & Cost-Effective Screening – Detects known drug resistance mutations with higher accuracy than conventional PCR-based assays.
●    Scalability & Accessibility – High-throughput testing for wider clinical adoption.
●    Direct DNA Compatibility – Eliminates the need for culture-based testing, reducing turnaround time.

Aligned with the WHO's latest TB guidelines, Uncoded’s approach ensures precise genetic insights, enabling clinicians to make informed treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes. Currently, PLS is collaborating with leading hospitals and research institutions to validate this cutting-edge solution.

By developing an India-specific diagnostic workflow, Uncoded strengthens the "Make in India" initiative, ensuring homegrown, high-quality molecular diagnostics. On this World TB Day, Uncoded reaffirms its commitment to fighting TB through innovation, precision, and purpose-driven healthcare solutions—because the future of TB diagnostics is faster, smarter, and genomics-driven.
    
Disclaimer: This feature highlights select organizations contributing to the fight against tuberculosis (TB). However, many other organizations are making significant strides in TB eradication but are not included in this list. Additionally, the order in which the organizations are presented does not reflect any ranking or level of impact.
 

The Indian Organization for Rare Diseases (IORD)

The Indian Organization for Rare Diseases (IORD) is a registered non-profit and a Ministry of Corporate Affairs-recognized CSR Implementing Agency advocating for rare disease patients in India. It envisions a future where these patients receive equal healthcare opportunities and focuses on policy development, awareness, and patient support. IORD educates medical professionals, assists in diagnosis, and facilitates treatment access. It also promotes research and global collaborations to improve care. Addressing awareness gaps, social stigma, and delayed diagnoses, IORD actively works to enhance healthcare policies and ensure better resources for rare disease patients across India.

Dystrophy Annihilation Research Trust [DART]

Dystrophy Annihilation Research Trust (DART) is India’s first research lab dedicated to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Founded by RS Anand in 2012, it focuses on genetic-level treatments to slow or reverse DMD progression. The organization provides patient support, medical advisory services, rehabilitation assistance, and counseling for families. DART also raises awareness, promotes inclusion in education and employment, and collaborates with NGOs. Its R&D lab offers much-needed research within India, giving hope to affected families by ensuring access to critical interventions.

Cure SMA Foundation 

Cure SMA India is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic disorder causing progressive muscle weakness due to motor neuron degeneration. The NGO focuses on patient advocacy, early diagnosis, and access to life-saving treatments, without specifying treatment names. It provides medical assistance, rehabilitation support, and family resources while collaborating with researchers and policymakers to improve treatment availability and affordability. Through awareness campaigns and community engagement, Cure SMA India empowers individuals affected by SMA and advocates for improved healthcare policies in India

The Lysosomal Storage Disorders Support Society (LSD) The Lysosomal Storage Disorders Support Society (LSD) , established in 2010, is India's first and leading patient advocacy group dedicated to Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs). A pan-India non-profit organization, it is managed by patients and their parents/caregivers, focusing on creating awareness among the public, physicians, and policymakers. LSDSS has achieved significant milestones by facilitating treatment options through international charitable access programs and state healthcare budgets. They have also played a pivotal role in the formulation of India's National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD). Their work areas include patient support, advocacy, awareness campaigns, and collaboration with national and international organizations to strengthen the patient voice and improve LSD awareness.

The Bharath MD Foundation

The Bharath MD Foundation, founded by mothers of children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), is dedicated to support, advocacy, and awareness for affected families. It provides free genetic testing, medical and rehabilitation support, and educational resources to empower individuals with DMD. The foundation collaborates with researchers and policymakers to enhance treatment access and drive policy changes. Key initiatives focus on awareness campaigns, research partnerships, and expanding medical services. With a vision for improved care and inclusion, the organization continues to champion hope, resilience, and change for the DMD community in India.

The Atypical HUS foundation 

aHUS India is a dedicated support network for individuals affected by Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS) in India. The organization focuses on patient advocacy, early diagnosis, treatment access, and community support. Recently, aHUS India has been working to connect Indian patients with global research efforts, ensuring access to the latest advancements in complement-inhibitor therapies. It has also been advocating for insurance coverage and government policy inclusion for aHUS treatments. Through awareness campaigns, patient guidance programs, and expert collaborations, aHUS India is striving to improve the quality of life for those battling this rare and life-threatening disease.

Mobility in Dystrophy (MIND) Trust  

Mobility in Dystrophy (MIND) Trust, founded in 2017, supports individuals in Kerala with Muscular Dystrophy (MD) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) through 18 projects focused on awareness, education, skill development, rehabilitation, and research. Recognized for its efforts, MIND Trust received Kerala’s Best NGO Award (2021), N.S Hema Memorial 3rd position (2023), and the 12th FESCA Award (2024). The organization is dedicated to realizing ORIDAM, a holistic center providing rehabilitation, residential care, education, employment, and research to empower individuals with MD and SMA, fostering independence and self-sustainability while advancing innovative approaches for better management and support.

DATRI Blood Stem Cell Donors Registry

DATRI Blood Stem Cell Donors Registry is a not-for-profit organization committed to helping patients with life-threatening blood disorders -  such as leukemia, thalassemia, lymphoma, and aplastic anemia - by facilitating life-saving blood stem cell transplants.DATRI actively identifies and registers potential donors by raising awareness about stem cell donation. Through collaborations with hospitals, medical institutions, colleges, and corporates, it works to build a diverse and accessible donor database for patients in need.With a registry of over 5.7 lakh donors, DATRI has successfully facilitated more than 1,530 stem cell donations, offering patients battling blood disorders a second chance at life.As India’s largest unrelated blood stem cell donor registry, DATRI plays a pivotal role in saving lives through donation, advocacy, and continuous efforts to expand its life-saving impact.

 Indo US Organization for Rare Diseases

 "Indo US Organization for Rare Diseases is a non-profit organization dedicated to rare disease research, advocacy, and collaboration between India and the U.S. Their mission is to educate, empower, and advocate for patients globally, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in research. They focus on patient-centric education, awareness, training, and engagement aligned with the FDA’s patient-focused drug development paradigm. Indo US organization for rare diseases promotes global diversity in clinical trials, improves patient access to research, and collaborates on public health policies. By bridging stakeholders from India and the U.S., they aim to enhance patient outcomes, accelerate diagnostics and therapies, and address challenges faced by rare disease communities.”

 The Indian Society for Inborn Errors of Metabolism (ISIEM)

 The Indian Society for Inborn Errors of Metabolism (ISIEM), conceived in 2005 and registered as a society in 2012, is dedicated to improving awareness, diagnosis, and management of inherited metabolic disorders in India. Their core work areas include research, patient advocacy, physician training, and policy advocacy for better healthcare access. ISIEM organizes national and international conferences, workshops, and training programs to educate healthcare professionals on inborn errors of metabolism (IEM). ISIEM also publishes clinical guidelines & protocols on management , collaborates on newborn screening programs, and works towards making diagnostic and therapeutic facilities more accessible. ISIEM is known for pioneering efforts in metabolic disorder awareness and strengthening India's rare disease ecosystem.

Cystic Fibrosis India (CFI)

 Cystic Fibrosis India (CFI) is committed to improving the lives of individuals with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) through advocacy, support, and awareness. The organization works to ensure early diagnosis, access to treatment, and specialized care for CF patients across India. CFI provides medical assistance, nutritional guidance, and rehabilitation support, helping families navigate the challenges of this rare genetic disorder. By collaborating with doctors, researchers, and policymakers, CFI advocates for better healthcare infrastructure and treatment availability. Through education, outreach programs, and community initiatives, the foundation empowers patients and caregivers, striving to build a more informed and supportive environment for CF care.

Hereditary Angioedema Society of India (HAESI)

 The Hereditary Angioedema Society of India (HAESI) (https://www.haesi.in/) is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to increasing awareness and to promote knowledge about HAE amongst physicians; to improve quality of life of HAE patients and their families and bring better treatment options in India. The society has actively collaborated with global HAE networks over the last 4 years.  HAESI has organized several specialist training workshops to improve early detection and has been lobbying for the inclusion of HAE therapies in national health programs. The society also provides direct patient support, emergency treatment guidance, and counseling services. Through these efforts, HAESI is bridging the gap between medical advancements and patient accessibility in India.

 MSN Laboratories 

 MSN Laboratories has launched RADIUM, a dedicated division focused on rare diseases and unmet medical needs. As a global pharmaceutical leader, MSN offers over 60 solutions for rare conditions, reinforcing its commitment to innovation. With 25 advanced manufacturing facilities across India and the USA and Asia’s largest single-site integrated R&D center, MSN drives cutting-edge research for better medicines. The company’s diverse portfolio spans 475+ APIs and 350+ formulations across 40 therapeutic areas, serving over 50 million patients in 100+ countries. Through RADIUM, MSN continues to bring hope to rare disease patients worldwide, advancing access to life-saving treatments.

Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals

Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, India’s largest CDMO, is revolutionizing rare disease treatment with innovation and accessibility. In line with its Rashtra Pratham approach, Akums has introduced a Room Temperature Stable Hydroxyurea Oral Suspension for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), significantly improving affordability and access. Unlike global alternatives requiring cold storage and costing INR 77,000, Akums’ patented 2024 formulation is stable at room temperature and priced at just 1% of the global cost. With expertise across pharmaceuticals and advanced R&D, Akums continues to pioneer solutions for rare diseases, reinforcing its commitment to addressing critical healthcare challenges in India and beyond.

CENTOGENE

 With over 70 million people in India affected by rare diseases, timely diagnosis remains a critical challenge. CENTOGENE envisions reducing this diagnostic odyssey of undiagnosed and misdiagnosed cases through technological advancements. CENTOGENE is at the forefront of rare disease diagnostics, aiming to cure 100 rare diseases by 2031 through AI-driven bioinformatics, expansive data access, and continuous variant reclassification. Leveraging its Biodatabank - the world’s largest repository of real-world data on rare and neurodegenerative diseases- CENTOGENE is uncovering novel Gene-Disease Relationships. Additionally, early 2024 collaborations with the Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases and the Critical Path Institute have accelerated drug discovery. CENTOGENE’s groundbreaking research indicates that approximately 15% of Parkinson’s cases have a genetic link, reinforcing the need for genetic testing in patient care.

Disclaimer:

The information presented in this listicle, Rare Warriors: Organization Leading the Fight Against Rare Disease, is intended for informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date details about these organizations and their initiatives, we do not endorse or guarantee the efficacy of any treatments, services, or policies mentioned. Readers are encouraged to verify information through official sources and consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

AAYNA Clinic, helmed by the visionary Dr. Simal Soin has set a gold standard in personalized dermatology. They offer a range of advanced treatments such as anti-aging therapies, acne care, weight loss solutions, and hair restoration. They specialize in personalized services using cutting-edge technologies like Thermage, HydraFacial, and laser treatments. AAYNA is known for providing a premium experience with expert consultations and tailored beauty solutions. 

Every client receives a deeply tailored approach, making this clinic a trusted name among celebrities, professionals, and discerning individuals alike.

MedLinks is a premier skin and hair care clinic in Delhi and Gurgaon, specializing in treatments such as acne care, anti-aging therapies, hair restoration, and body contouring. With a team of experienced dermatologists and the latest technologies, MedLinks offers customized solutions to address various skin and hair concerns. 

They provide services like laser treatments, facials, liposuction, and rhinoplasty, aiming for effective and long-lasting results.

UnCover is a game-changer in the dermatology space, leveraging technology to make premium care accessible. With a straightforward and modern approach, UnCover has become a preferred choice for results-driven clients providing a seamless experience from online consultations to in-clinic treatments. Their services include laser hair removal, acne treatments, skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, and body contouring. The clinic uses advanced technologies such as GFC hair restoration, microneedling, and more.By blending digital accessibility with expert consultations, UnCover is redefining the dermatology experience. 

Alive Wellness Clinics, with over 25 years of experience, is a premier destination for skin, hair, and wellness treatments across Delhi and Punjab. Founded by Dr. Chiranjeev Chabbra , Alive Wellness offers services like anti-aging therapies, weight loss solutions, hair restoration, and skin rejuvenation, using cutting-edge technology for personalized care. With a focus on visible results and holistic wellness, The clinic provides a holistic approach to aesthetic care, helping clients look and feel their best.

The Ageless Clinic has built its reputation on providing solutions that emphasize longevity and sustainability. The Ageless Clinic offers advanced skin and aesthetic treatments, including laser therapies, body contouring, and anti-aging solutions. They focus on personalized care with state-of-the-art technology and international treatment standards. The clinic emphasizes patient confidentiality, ethical practices, and high-quality service. Their client-centric philosophy, combined with an unwavering commitment to high standards, has made The Ageless Clinic a standout in dermatology.

Oliva is celebrated for its commitment to delivering scientifically-backed solutions. With multiple locations across India, Oliva ensures consistency in quality and service delivery. Oliva Clinic specializes in services like laser hair removal, acne scar treatment, anti-aging therapies, and body contouring. With a network of clinics across multiple cities, Oliva offers personalized solutions for skin and hair concerns using state-of-the-art technology and expert care. Their treatments are designed to provide safe, effective, and long-lasting results.

For over two decades, Kaya has been synonymous with professional skincare in India. Kaya Clinics offers comprehensive skin, hair, and weight loss treatments across India, specializing in services such as laser hair reduction, fillers, Thermage, HIFU, and HydraFacials. Kaya tailors its treatments to the unique needs of Indian skin, ensuring safety and effectiveness. Their team of experienced dermatologists provides personalized care, addressing concerns like aging, pigmentation, and hair loss.

Viva Aesthetic Clinic, specializes in advanced dermatology and aesthetic treatments, including hair restoration, acne care, pigmentation treatments, and skin rejuvenation. Led by Dr. Deepam Shah, the clinic uses cutting-edge technology and personalized care to enhance the overall appearance and health of its patients. They offer a variety of services like laser treatments, hair transplants, injectables, and more.