Diagnostics for tuberculosis: global demand and market potential.

In Diagnostics for tuberculosis: global demand and market potential the World Health Organizations Special Programme for Tropical Diseases Research (WHO/TDR) in collaboration with the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) has compiled existing epidemiological data and generated a wealth of new data on the availability of TB laboratory services variations in physician diagnostic practices workloads of national laboratory networks and manufacturers sales to authoritatively document the volume and market value of TB diagnostic testing in nearly 200 countries. Customer requirements and research and development (R&D) opportunities are clarified in the document and the major scientific financial and market entry challenges specific to TB diagnostic development are presented alongside short-term and long-term strategies and solutions. Furthermore the potential future TB diagnostic market is estimated for a range of hypothetical new diagnostic tests covering the three major testing indications. Fourteen countries are profiled in detail to complement the global perspective. This report drafted with extensive input from experts in tuberculosis and public health as well as from private industry provides essential data and knowledge to dispel common myths and inform investment decisions by industry foundations government organizations and world health and financial organizations. The report comprises 7 chapters 14 country profiles and an annex addressing global in vitro diagnostic regulatory practices and classification schemes. The key findings are summarized below. All monetary values are in United States dollars. (excerpt)