Objective
Tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of infectious disease-related deaths worldwide, with undiagnosed and late-stage cases driving continued transmission and poor treatment outcomes. Despite advancements in TB diagnostics, existing tests are either too costly, too complex, limiting their accessibility in resource-constrained settings. There is an urgent need for a rapid, affordable, non-sputum-based diagnostic tool at point of care.
We propose AddiCAD, a novel diagnostic solution that combines AI chest X-ray analysis with a fingerstick-based biomarker test. By integrating CAD4TB scores with 3P-TB, a three-marker host protein biosignature test (SAA-1, CRP, IP-10), AddiCAD enhances diagnostic accuracy beyond current standalone methods.
In a study involving 592 participants from two African countries, AddiCAD demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving an AUC of 0.96 (0.93–0.99). Optimized for triage testing, it showed 91.2% sensitivity and 89.5% specificity, marking a 20% improvement in specificity compared to CAD4TB alone, without sacrificing sensitivity. When optimized for confirmatory testing, it reached 93% sensitivity and 88.2% specificity, surpassing all previously reported non-sputum-based TB diagnostics.
To bring this innovation to scale, we will:
1) Develop and optimize an aptamer-based sensor for the 3P-TB signature, and a software application for integration with CAD4TB, while ensuring it is affordable and scalable.
2) Validate AddiCAD in 1,000 adults with presumptive TB across three African countries with high TB and HIV incidence, using microbiological confirmation as the gold standard.
3) Engage with key stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, scientific communities, and commercial partners, to support widespread adoption and integration into existing healthcare systems.
With its ability to provide rapid, accurate, and accessible TB diagnosis, AddiCAD has the potential to fill a critical gap in high-burden, resource-limited settings.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- medical and health sciences health sciences infectious diseases RNA viruses HIV
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine pneumology tuberculosis
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- engineering and technology medical engineering medical laboratory technology laboratory samples analysis
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.2.1 - Health
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-JU-RIA - HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Actions
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-JU-GH-EDCTP3-2025-04-two-stage
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
7600 STELLENBOSCH
South Africa
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.