The initiative is crucial for the government commitment to “health for all”, say officials

In a bid to find innovative diagnostic tools and therapies tailor made for the Indian population, an international tie-up is all set to study the unique features of the Indian genome.

UK-based genomics data platform Global Gene Corp (GGC) will study the Indian population in association with US-based Regeneron Genetics Centre (RGC). “We believe that genomics will help India achieve a paradigm shift in healthcare,” said Deepak Bagla, managing director and CEO of Invest India, a unit of Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion. Invest India is supporting GGC to build world-class capabilities in Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

Bagla added that the collaboration marks a step forward for the Ayushman Bharat plan of the government of India. Announced in the Union Budget this year, Ayushman Bharat comprises the National Health Protection Scheme that will provide an annual health cover of Rs 5 lakh to 10 crore families and a preventive health plan under which there will 1,53000 health and wellness centres across the country.

81 per cent of genomics data comes from Caucasian populations; India with 1.3 billion people represents 20 per cent of the world, yet its population contributes less than 1 per cent of genomic data and insights

“Genomic technology is important to achieve this mission (of health for all). This investment by Global Gene Corp and Regeneron will create infrastructure, jobs and opportunity for the future in India,” Bagla said.

Genetic evidence has revolutionised scientific discovery and drug development in recent years by providing clear links between certain genes and disease.

Sumit Jamuar, chairman and CEO of GGC, explained that this “genomics revolution” is crucial to the delivery of improved healthcare for all.

His company is working to solve the problem of genomic data bias – where 81 per cent of genomics data comes from Caucasian populations of European ancestry; India with 1.3 billion people represents 20 per cent of the world’s population, yet its population contributes less than 1 per cent of genomic data and insights.

“We are proud that we are collaborating to create the largest programme in India to generate genomic understanding of populations in the Indian sub-continent. We are delighted to be partnering with the RGC as we have a shared commitment to improve the lives of patients,” Jamuar said.