JUTH Partners with Northwestern University to Test 16-Minute Hepatitis C Diagnostic Technology
By Deterenom Jakawa
The Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, is partnering with Northwestern University, Chicago, to evaluate a rapid diagnostic innovation capable of delivering Hepatitis C test results in about 16 minutes.
The technology, known as HCV DASH, was presented during a meeting between the JUTH Chief Medical Director, Dr. Pokop Bupwatda, and a visiting team from Northwestern University.
The visiting delegation included Dr. Sally McFall, Co-Director of Northwestern’s Center for Innovation in Global Health Technologies and project leader; Dr. Claudia Hawkins, Director of the Global Communicable and Emerging Infectious Diseases Centre at the Institute for Global Health; and Nicole Rios, Research Project Manager. They were received alongside Dr. Mary John Duguru, Prof. Oche Agbaji and Prof. Imade Goodwin of JUTH
Presenting the platform, Dr. McFall said HCV DASH is designed to provide rapid and sensitive testing, with results in approximately 16 minutes. She said following successful laboratory testing at Northwestern University, the technology will first undergo testing in JUTH’s laboratory, with clinical testing planned for 2027 subject to satisfactory laboratory results.
Dr. Hawkins described the technology as potentially transformative for people living with Hepatitis C by significantly reducing diagnosis time. She noted that given the prevalence of Hepatitis C in Jos, field testing would be vital to ensure the tool is easy to use and effective for the community.
Prof. Imade explained that selected samples would be tested using the new platform and compared with results from JUTH’s Roche cobas 5800 equipment to assess its performance. He said the hospital’s existing laboratory facilities would be used, with the HIV clinic identified as a potential site for subsequent clinical testing.
Speaking during the meeting, the CMD, Dr. Bupwatda, expressed optimism, noting that patients often face prolonged waiting periods for Hepatitis C viral load results after an initial antibody test, and that delays and additional costs complicate timely diagnosis and treatment.
He said the technology, if validated, would enable clinicians to obtain results more quickly and monitor treatment response more conveniently.
The meeting also highlighted JUTH’s efforts to strengthen research infrastructure, with plans to consolidate laboratory services at a central location to improve coordination, efficiency and safety, subject to funding.
Dr. Bupwatda reaffirmed JUTH’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with Northwestern University, stressing the importance of collaboration among researchers, clinicians and technology developers.
Prof. Imade commended management for its support for research activities, which he said had contributed to strengthening laboratory and research capacity.
If successfully validated, HCV DASH is expected to reduce diagnostic delays, ease the burden of repeated hospital visits and support timely treatment decisions. Similar evaluations are planned in Lagos and Ibadan, making JUTH one of several Nigerian sites for the project.
20
Post Comment