IntelliGenome, Inc., a developer of CRISPR-based molecular diagnostic technologies, announced an exclusive distribution agreement with NL Diagnóstica to advance its CRISPR-Dx diagnostic platform in Brazil.
Brazil records approximately 84,000 new tuberculosis cases and 6,000 deaths annually, according to the Ministry of Health. The collaboration aligns with Brazil's efforts to expand access to innovative tuberculosis diagnostics, including the country's emphasis on early detection, decentralized testing, and scientific research. IntelliGenome's CRISPR-based technology offers a promising approach to addressing these priorities, particularly for underserved and difficult-to-diagnose patient populations.
IntelliGenome and NL Diagnóstica are working with leading Brazilian academic institutions, clinical laboratories, and healthcare organizations to evaluate the CRISPR-TB laboratory-based blood test, which detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex cell-free DNA (cfDNA). These collaborations include clinical research initiatives involving pediatric tuberculosis, while IntelliGenome continues to advance its point-of-care technology to expand access to molecular testing in decentralized healthcare settings.
"Brazil's commitment to tuberculosis elimination creates an important opportunity for diagnostic innovation," said Kurt Wehrle, Senior Vice President, Global Commercialization, IntelliGenome. "Our partnership with NL Diagnóstica combines complementary expertise and strong scientific relationships to advance blood-based CRISPR technology and address critical unmet needs in tuberculosis detection."
The companies will showcase their partnership at the UNION World Conference on Lung Health, November 17–20, 2026, in Rio de Janeiro, where IntelliGenome will exhibit its CRISPR-TB and CRISPR-NTM molecular diagnostic technologies.
"Many tuberculosis patients, including children and people living with HIV, are unable to produce sputum, which is the sample used in most routine molecular tests. With blood, sample collection is no longer the obstacle," said Fabio Moruzzi, Chief Commercial Officer, NL Diagnóstica. "The strong interest we are seeing from leading Brazilian institutions highlights the potential of CRISPR-TB to advance earlier tuberculosis detection across the country."
