Panjab varsity startup comes up with rapid prostate cancer test kit

In a first-of-its-kind discovery, a startup at Panjab University (PU) has developed a rapid prostate cancer detection kit that enables non-invasive and highly accurate screening using a multiplex antigen lateral flow test with results available in minutes, and no need for hospital or laboratory visits.

A major step towards men’s healthcare, the kit has been invented by the DACH Biotech, a startup company incubated at PU.

The development assumes significance as prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among men globally, and early detection remains critical for survival.

With traditional screening methods such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests or biopsies being painful, expensive and prone to false positives, the DACH Biotech’s innovation is designed to address these limitations.

“By integrating three prostate cancer-specific biomarkers into one test, we’ve drastically improved diagnostic accuracy,” Prof Manu Sharma, Honorary Director, Centre for Industry-Institute Partnership Programme (CIIPP), PU, told The Tribune.

He said this reduces false alarms and helps avoid unnecessary biopsies.

Unlike conventional kits that rely on a single marker, this test identifies multiple tumour-specific antigens that are over-expressed in prostate cancer tissue. “This approach significantly enhances specificity, especially in early-stage disease where diagnosis is often delayed,” he disclosed.

The product is competitively priced, ensuring accessibility not just in private healthcare systems but also in government-run screening programmes, rural clinics and public health initiatives.

DACH Biotech is currently in discussions with public health authorities, insurance providers and diagnostic networks to integrate the kit into regular men’s health check-ups and national early screening strategies.

“Early diagnosis saves lives. Our mission is to make advanced cancer screening as accessible as checking your blood pressure,” added Prof Sharma, who is also the Coordinator of Department of Science and Technology (DST) Technology Enabling Centre (TEC) at PU.

ABOUT THE STARTUP

DACH Biotech is a startup company incubated at PU, focusing on oncology diagnostics. It is one of five DeepTech startups launched by the university under the CIIPP-DST-TEC framework. It is specifically working on developing highly specific, non-invasive and user-friendly point-of-care tests for detecting cancer.

THINK BIG, AIM HIGHER: PU VC

"Panjab University is working to build a strong culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, as envisioned by the Government of India and UGC. We are consistently working to create an ecosystem that inspires students, provides the right guidance and offers startup-friendly facilities to help young minds turn their ideas into real solutions, especially in important areas like healthcare, sustainability and technology," said Prof Renu Vig, PU Vice-Chancellor

A BIG ACHIEVEMENT: CIIPP HEAD

"This startup is a shining example of what universities can achieve when research, innovation and social impact converge. The Vice-Chancellor’s unwavering support for translational research and entrepreneurship has transformed PU into a fertile ground for groundbreaking ideas to grow, thrive, and serve society," Prof Manu Sharma, Honorary Director, CIIPP, & Coordinator DST-TEC, PU

KEY FEATURES

Non-invasive and pain-free

Home-use compatible

Results in less than 15 minutes

No lab or hospital visit required

Designed for point-of-care, rural and low-resource settings

FASTER EARLY DETECTION

Making early detection of prostate cancer faster, easier and more accessible than ever before, this test doesn’t just look for one marker; it scans for multiple red flags in a single test, giving doctors a much clearer signal.

HIGH PREVALENCE

As per recent studies, 1 in 8 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime but most won’t know until it’s too late.