NalaGenetics, a spin-off from Singapore’s A*STAR Genome Institute, is set to revolutionise leprosy treatment in Indonesia with a nationwide genetic screening programme. Launching in the fourth quarter of 2025, the initiative will utilise the PGx1301 diagnostic kit to screen up to 16,000 leprosy patients annually for the HLA-B*13:01 biomarker. This genetic variant is linked to Dapsone Hypersensitivity Syndrome (DHS), a potentially fatal reaction to the antibiotic dapsone, crucial in leprosy treatment.
The programme builds on a successful five-year pilot in East Indonesia, which demonstrated the effectiveness of precision medicine in preventing life-threatening adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Since 2021, regional laboratories in Papua have used NalaGenetics’ test, resulting in near-zero DHS cases, a condition with a previous 9.9% mortality risk. This success has led the Indonesian government to adopt the screening nationwide, marking a significant milestone in precision medicine.
NalaGenetics, founded in 2016 by four A*STAR GIS scientists, aims to address the lack of affordable genetic testing to prevent ADRs. The company partnered with the Health Research Institute of the Ministry of Health in Papua in 2018 for a government-supported clinical trial, confirming the biomarker’s presence in 20% of leprosy patients and proving the test’s life-saving potential.
The initiative highlights Singapore’s growing influence in global precision medicine. Dr Levana Sani, CEO of NalaGenetics, stated, “By combining cutting-edge science with a deep understanding of regional healthcare needs, we’ve created a solution that not only saves lives but also sets a precedent for how genetic testing can be scaled in resource-limited settings.”
NalaGenetics’ impact extends beyond Indonesia, with clinical trials expanded to Nepal and India, validating the biomarker’s relevance in Asian populations. As the company explores applications for other diseases, including cardiovascular conditions and diabetes, Dr Sani emphasised their vision to make precision medicine accessible to all.
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