AddiCAD project kicks off to advance more accessible TB diagnostics

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world’s most urgent infectious disease challenges, and improving access to fast, affordable diagnostics is critical to changing that. With this goal in mind, the AddiCAD project officially started in May 2026. On 3 June, all consortium partners came together for a first virtual kick-off meeting to align on the project’s objectives and necessary next steps.

Coordinating early key activities

Project coordinator Stephanus Malherbe from Stellenbosch University welcomed the participants and provided an overview of AddiCAD, including its scientific aims and work packages. Each partner then introduced their organisation and role in the project, highlighting the expertise they will contribute across technology development, clinical evaluation, stakeholder engagement and project coordination.

During the main part of the meeting, the consortium discussed early key activities such as the planned manufacturing of around 1,200 biomarker strips and the development of a smartphone-based application for biomarker measurement and data capture. Partners also reviewed the proposed clinical study design and confirmed their support for the planned recruitment of 1,000 participants across study sites in South Africa, The Gambia and Namibia.         

Looking ahead

By combining AI-supported chest X-ray analysis with a fingerstick-based biomarker test, AddiCAD aims to improve tuberculosis detection in high-burden, resource-limited settings. With the project now officially underway, all partners are ready to begin the work ahead and continue the exchange at the first in-person kick-off meeting, which will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, in November.