The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, invites Expression of Interest (EoI) from eligible organizations, companies, and manufacturers for the transfer of technology and commercialization of a novel immunoassay for screening infective and infected stages of Lymphatic Filariasis, a diagnostic assay or kit useful in the detection of Lymphatic Filariasis.

Overview

ICMR, through its constituent institute ICMR–National Institute for Vector Control Research, Puducherry (ICMR–NIVCR, Puducherry), has developed a technology entitled "A novel immunoassay for screening infective and infected stages of Lymphatic Filariasis." The objective of this EoI is to license this technology for further development and commercialization. The technology is a highly sensitive and specific antibody-based ELISA intended for use within the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) diagnostic framework. It is based on a cloned and expressed antigen biomarker of Wuchereria bancrofti, the parasite responsible for approximately 90% of filarial infection globally, and is formatted as an indirect ELISA for the detection of filariasis-specific antibodies.

Technology Details and Validation

The assay enables detection of infection at an early stage, prior to clinical manifestation, supporting timely treatment and prevention of disease progression to conditions such as lymphedema and hydrocele. The technology readiness level is TRL–5 (Third Party Validated). The ELISA was externally validated at two independent institutes—Indira Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute (IGMC&RI) and JIPMER, Puducherry—using 80 blind-coded samples. Both institutes reported a sensitivity of 92.5% and specificity of 100% for detection of anti-filarial IgG4 antibodies, with an overall agreement of 92.5% and a kappa value of 0.925, indicating near-perfect agreement with microscopy. The external validation results met the minimum performance criteria specified in the WHO DTAG Target Product Profile (TPP) guidelines for lymphatic filariasis. An Indian patent application has been filed under application number 202411079951.

Scope of Work and Collaboration

ICMR is willing to collaborate with eligible organizations, companies, and manufacturers for undertaking transfer of technology and commercialization of the technology or product. The selected company will be granted rights to undertake further development, manufacture, sell, and commercialize the technology or product. An agreement following the EoI is proposed to be executed on a non-exclusive basis with single or multiple companies to enable wider outreach for societal benefit and public health use. All related issues shall be governed by ICMR IP Policy.

Role of ICMR: ICMR–NIVCR, Puducherry will provide expert guidance and technical support for production in all phases, including study planning, product development, development of study protocol, results or data analysis, outcome assessment, safety and efficacy assessment, and product improvement. ICMR will also facilitate R&D or clinical study through its affiliates or institutes and provide technical support in development and validation as per the terms of the agreement. ICMR shall have no financial implications unless otherwise specified.

Role of the Company: The company shall provide all necessary infrastructure, material, and manpower required for product development, validation, or scale-up. The company shall undertake scale-up, manufacturing, and commercialization in a set milestone, share technical data with ICMR, allow authorized ICMR personnel to visit the designated lab or production facility, and be responsible for obtaining all regulatory approvals required for commercialization.

Eligibility and Pre-Qualification Criteria

Applicants must meet the following minimum pre-qualification criteria:

• Legal Entity: The proponent shall be a legal entity registered as an institution, company, LLP, society, partnership firm, or proprietorship firm under respective acts in India, with more than 51% of company stakes by promoters from India.
• Registration: Must be registered in India with taxation and other administrative authorities (GST registration or exemption certificate, PAN card).
• Experience: Proven prior experience of manufacturing and/or R&D with manufacturing during the last three years, either in-house or through agreed collaboration, and must have marketed same or similar products with a good track record.
• Financial Standing: Must be profitable and not have incurred overall loss in the past three years (applicable to commercial firms or organizations only).
• Track Record: Must have a good track record and currently not be blacklisted or barred by any central or state government, public sector undertaking, or Government of India.
• Manufacturing Unit: Must have a manufacturing unit in India.
• Legal Clearance: The proponent and its promoters must not have been convicted for any offence in India by any competent court or judicial body during the past three years.
• Certifications: GMP or quality certification (ISO or approved Indian certification) of manufacturing facility and GLP or necessary certifications for R&D.
• Laboratory: Must have a functional laboratory to carry out R&D for product development.
• Production Capacity: Must have the capacity to produce a minimum quantity per week (to be specified in the undertaking).

For MSMEs and start-ups, Start-Up India, Make-in-India, and other relevant guidelines of Government of India shall be applicable.

Application Process and Submission

Interested applicants must submit their Expression of Interest through the Medical Innovation Patent Mitra portal at https://patentmitra.icmr.org.in/companyeoiregistration/. Applicants must first register by providing requisite company information, including details of the authorized representative. Upon successful registration, applicants are required to complete and submit the e-EoI form available on the portal.

The following documents must be furnished:

• Declaration – Expression of Interest (Format 1)
• Authorization Letter (Format 2)
• Undertaking with regard to Blacklisting (Format 3)
• Undertaking with regard to Non-Conviction (Format 4)
• EoI document with each page duly stamped and signed by the authorized signatory
• Undertaking with regard to laboratory facility (Format 5)
• Production Capacity Undertaking (Format 6)
• Supporting documents as mentioned in Format 1
• MSME Certificate (if applicable)
• Concept note on business plan (not more than 5 pages) covering R&D, clinical studies, planning and execution, production, marketing, etc., with timeline
• Any other information the proponent may wish to provide to support the EoI

Qualified companies or manufacturers will be shortlisted based on their R&D plan, facilities, and capabilities. Only those shortlisted will be contacted for execution of an MoA, MoU, or agreement for partnership, collaboration, or technology transfer. Subsequent to the execution of the agreement, the company shall be responsible to pay royalty at 2% on net sales, as applicable, according to the ICMR Guidelines for Technology Development Collaboration.

Deadline and Timeline

• EoI Document Number: ICMR/EoI/PM/17/Lymphatic Filariasis Immunoassay/2026
• Date of Publication: May 12, 2026
• Last Date of Submission: May 21, 2026

ICMR reserves the right to cancel this EoI and/or invite afresh with or without amendments, without liability or any obligation, and without assigning any reason.

Contact Information

For scientific issues:
Dr. Dinesh Raja J
Email: director.vcrc@icmr.gov.in; jeyapal.dr@icmr.gov.in
Mobile No.: 9884227438

For technical issues:
Medical Innovations Patent Mitra Team
Email: patentmitra.hq@icmr.gov.in