PharmaJet has announced that its partner, Brazilian Tuberculosis Research Network, will initiate a clinical study to assess the performance of its Tropis ID Needle-free Injection System in administering the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST). The study will compare the needle-free approach with conventional needle-based methods, focusing on accuracy, workflow efficiency, safety and patient acceptability.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health concern, with approximately a quarter of the world’s population infected with the TB bacterium. Although most individuals with latent infection are not symptomatic or contagious, around 5–10% may eventually develop active disease. Early detection through TST plays a critical role in identifying high-risk individuals for preventive treatment.

The upcoming study follows growing concerns about inefficiencies in TB testing programs, including patient dropouts during and after testing. Experts note that less invasive and more acceptable testing methods could significantly improve participation rates and overall program effectiveness.

PharmaJet’s Tropis system, a needle-free injection technology, has demonstrated high acceptance among both healthcare providers and patients in prior evaluations. Studies have shown that the device reduces administration time and lowers adverse events. In vaccine delivery settings, Tropis has been associated with a 54 percent reduction in adverse events and over 68 percent less pain compared to traditional needle-based methods.

PharmaJet CEO Wouter Latour stated that the company aims to expand the application of its technology beyond vaccines into areas such as skin testing and oncology. He highlighted that more than 20 million Tropis devices have already been deployed globally in vaccination campaigns.

The study will be led by Anete Trajman, Principal Investigator and Professor of Internal Medicine at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. She emphasised the urgent need for improved TB testing methods, noting that tuberculosis caused over 1.23 million deaths globally in 2024 and remains one of the leading causes of death from infectious diseases.

The initiative is expected to provide insights into whether needle-free delivery can enhance TB testing uptake, reduce discomfort and improve follow-up compliance—key factors in strengthening global TB control efforts.