Technology Generator

Dr. Raul V. Destura
Manila HealthTek Inc.

The Problem

Dengue fever remains a pressing public health concern in the Philippines, with a sharp 56% increase in reported cases from 27,995 in early 2024 to 43,732 in the same period of 2025, highlighting the urgent need for timely detection and effective control measures. Early diagnosis plays a vital role in managing the disease and preventing severe outcomes, yet access to reliable diagnostic tools is limited, especially in underserved communities. The widely used Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, while accurate, is prohibitively expensive—ranging from P7,000 to P8,000—and results can take over 24 hours, delaying potentially life-saving treatment. These challenges underscore the critical need for accessible, affordable, and rapid diagnostic solutions to help curb the spread of dengue and improve patient outcomes, particularly in high-risk and resource-limited settings.

The Solution

A more cost-effective and efficient alternative for dengue diagnosis is Biotek™ M, a diagnostic kit that serves as a confirmatory test for dengue infection within the first 0–5 days of illness. It delivers results in an hour or less, making it a practical solution for hospitals and clinics with limited laboratory facilities. According to Berba et al., Biotek™ M has demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy, with a sensitivity of 81.9% (95% CI: 89.3–94.1) and specificity of 85.7% (95% CI: 46.7–99.3). Its positive predictive value (PPV) is 99.7% (95% CI: 98.3–100), while the negative predictive value (NPV) is 7.5% (95% CI: 3.3–15.4). The test also shows a positive likelihood ratio of 6.549 (95% CI: 1.046–40.981) and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.207 (95% CI: 0.165–0.260). With its proven diagnostic capability, Biotek™ M plays a crucial role in strengthening dengue control and elimination programs, particularly in dengue-endemic regions such as the Philippines. By reducing unnecessary hospital admissions for suspected dengue cases, it helps conserve resources for both healthcare facilities and patients. Offering a level of effectiveness comparable to PCR testing, Biotek™ M is significantly more affordable.

Technology Development Stage

Biotek™ M is currently in the dissemination and deployment phase of its technology development. It has transitioned from laboratory validation to active market distribution, with Manila HealthTek Inc.—the first university spin-off from the University of the Philippines—leading its commercialization. Distribution is handled by GenAmplify Technologies Inc., a subsidiary of MTek, which holds exclusive rights to the product. To facilitate nationwide adoption and integration into healthcare systems, a Regional Roll-out initiative was conducted, engaging over 100 hospitals, including both public and private Department of Health (DOH) sentinel hospitals. These hospitals underwent training on the use of Biotek™ M and were subsequently equipped with LAMP Heaters and diagnostic kits. This strategic effort not only supports the widespread use of the technology but also strengthens the diagnostic capacity of health facilities in responding to dengue outbreaks, marking a critical step in the product’s scale-up and real-world application.

Current Needs

The Biotek™ M development team is seeking collaborations with healthcare providers, government agencies, and local government units to expand access to the diagnostic kit, especially in resource-limited and high-risk areas. Partnerships with public and private stakeholders are needed to support continuous supply chain logistics and training programs for healthcare workers. Additionally, funding and distribution partners are critical to sustain nationwide deployment and integrate Biotek™ M into broader public health strategies. The project welcomes discussions with potential donors, institutional adopters, and investors committed to strengthening early dengue detection and response.

Contact Person

Interested technology adopters may send a letter of intent addressed to:

Raul V. Destura, MD, MBA, FPSMID
Manila HealthTek Inc.
109 Bgy. Sta. Elena, Mayor Gil Fernando Ave., Marikina City
Tel No: +639178057331, +639178042079, (02)9505026, (02)3589723
tak2us@manila-healthtek.com