India Launches National Biobank for Personalised Healthcare
India has inaugurated the Phenome India National Biobank at the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), marking a major step towards personalised medicine. This facility will collect genomic, lifestyle, and clinical data from 10,000 individuals across the country. It aims to build a comprehensive health database reflecting India’s vast diversity. The project draws inspiration from the UK Biobank but is tailored to India’s unique population characteristics.
Significance of the National Biobank
The Biobank will serve as the foundation for a nationwide cohort study. It will enable researchers to track health patterns and gene-environment interactions over time. This data is expected to improve early diagnosis and targeted treatment of complex diseases like diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and rare genetic disorders. The initiative supports the transition from generic to personalised healthcare based on individual genetic makeup and lifestyle.
Addressing India’s Unique Health Challenges
India faces specific health issues such as central obesity, which often goes unnoticed in seemingly lean individuals. The Biobank will help decode such complexities by capturing data across different ethnic, geographic, and socio-economic groups. This approach will encourage population-specific health strategies that are more effective than one-size-fits-all solutions.
Integration with Advanced Technologies
The Biobank’s data will complement advances in quantum technology, CRISPR genome editing, and artificial intelligence (AI). It will enable AI-driven diagnostics and gene-guided therapies. India’s scientific landscape is rapidly evolving, positioning the country as a leader in adopting cutting-edge health technologies. The Biobank will fuel innovations in antimicrobial resistance and drug development through collaborative research.
Collaborations and Long-Term Vision
The project calls for strong partnerships between research institutions, government bodies like the Department of Biotechnology, and industry. Such collaboration will ensure research outcomes reach the market and benefit society. The Phenome India Project is designed as a long-term study, following individuals’ health trajectories to generate rich, actionable data.
CSIR and IGIB’s Role in Genomic Research
CSIR and IGIB have been pioneers in genomics research in India. IGIB was the first institute to decode the human genome in India. It has developed over 300 genetic diagnostics and contributed to COVID-19 genome sequencing. The institute is also advancing women-centric studies, breast cancer genomics, and indigenous CRISPR therapies, especially for sickle cell disease. Research now extends to space biology and AI applications in pilot fitness.
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