Daktari Diagnostics Inc. develops simple, accurate, and affordable products that address the most pressing challenges in global health. The company is committed to delivering critical diagnostic test results to clinicians and patients across the globe. The company’s team of engineers, scientists, physicians, and global health experts is uniquely dedicated to making high-performance products specifically designed for resource-poor markets.
Daktari’s first product will be the Daktari CD4 System, which measures a critical blood test for HIV monitoring called the CD4 count. The lack of a simple-to-use, affordable CD4 diagnostic is considered a major barrier to control of the HIV pandemic. The Daktari CD4 System consists of a rugged, hand-held, battery-powered instrument and inexpensive CD4 assay cartridge. A drop of blood from a fingerstick is placed into the cartridge, and the disposable cartridge is then inserted into the instrument. The CD4 count result is reported in 8 minutes. Total hands-on time is less than 20 seconds. The device is designed to be usable by anyone, anywhere.
Combining groundbreaking innovations in microfluidics and microelectronics with simplicity in design and use, Daktari will bring this essential blood test to parts of the world where millions of people now have access to life-saving drugs, yet cannot receive the best treatment due to inadequate diagnostics. As simple in concept and as easy to use as a glucose meter, Daktari technology overcomes the two critical barriers to point-of-care testing: complex sample preparation, and fragile, expensive optical sensors.
The Daktari CD4 is currently completing product development and will undergo validation in trials in Botswana, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda later this year, followed by product launch. In addition to its CD4 System, Daktari is developing a suite of global health diagnostic products on this platform, which will follow the CD4 count product into global health distribution channels. With large, growing markets for Daktari’s revolutionary global health technologies, Daktari represents the compelling combination of strong business fundamentals with high social impact and value.