TB Biosciences to develop a novel point-of-care diagnostic test for active TB

Bethlehem, Pa — July 18, 2013 – Tuberculosis has been all but eradicated in the United States, yet is a massive killer worldwide, especially in developing countries. Currently, over 90 million sputum tests are conducted annually. The sputum test is less than 50% accurate and unable to diagnose many with active tuberculosis. With results no better than a coin toss, the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2011 recommended the use of ALL existing serological tests be discontinued. “The goal of TB Biosciences is to develop an accurate, easy to use, affordable, rapid point-of-care test to detect active Tuberculosis and replace the unreliable sputum smear” said Sam Niedbala, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of TB Biosciences.