CKD Kochon Foundation Awards 'Kochon Prize' to India's Molbio for Leading Innovation in Tuberculosis Eradication

[Financial News] The CKD Kochon Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening global public health by selecting an Indian company with innovative technology for tuberculosis eradication as this year's Kochon Prize recipient.
The CKD Kochon Foundation announced on the 30th that it had held the 18th Kochon Prize award ceremony on the 29th in Manila, Philippines, and selected India's molecular diagnostics company, Molbio Diagnostics, as the winner.
This year's Kochon Prize focused on 'innovation and achievements in the introduction and implementation of new technologies for ending tuberculosis.'
Truenat, developed by Molbio, is the first point-of-care (POC) molecular diagnostic platform officially recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). This device can operate on solar batteries, providing rapid and accurate diagnostics even in remote areas lacking electricity and laboratory infrastructure.
In addition to tuberculosis, Truenat can be used to diagnose over 40 infectious diseases, including COVID-19, hepatitis, and HPV, making a significant contribution to improving healthcare environments in developing countries.

Currently, more than 10,000 Truenat devices have been distributed worldwide, including in India, Nigeria, and the Philippines. Over 15 million tuberculosis tests have been conducted using these devices, achieving tangible results in the fight against tuberculosis.
Notably, in the Bantayan Islands of the Philippines, the number of tuberculosis screenings increased about 13-fold, and diagnoses more than tripled. In regions with limited medical access, such as Timor-Leste and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Truenat has been installed in 'Lab on Wheels' mobile diagnostic vehicles, enabling on-site testing and treatment linkage within a single day—an innovation recognized by the global health community.
Sriram Natarajan, CEO of Molbio, stated, “Receiving the Kochon Prize is a great honor and a new source of motivation for our team, who have dedicated themselves to eradicating tuberculosis. We will continue striving to contribute to global health.”
Jae-jung Chung, Chairman of the CKD Kochon Foundation, remarked, “Molbio Diagnostics has created a new turning point in the global fight against tuberculosis through its innovative technology. We hope that various scientific advancements will continue to provide treatment opportunities for patients in challenging environments.”
The Kochon Prize was established in 2005 after two years of joint proposals and efforts by Jang-Han Lee, Chairman of CKD, and the late Lee Jong-wook, former Director-General of the WHO, with the approval of the International Tuberculosis Cooperation Board. 'Kochon' refers to the pen name of the late Lee Jong-geun, founder of CKD.
Since the first award ceremony in 2006, recipients have been selected annually through a committee of global experts. The prize includes a total of $100,000, supporting the enhancement of global healthcare research capabilities.
vrdw88@fnnews.com Kang Jung-mo Reporter