Narayana Nethralaya in pact for 'Multi-omics Diagnostics Lab'

Eye hospital Narayana Nethralaya and MedGenome, a genomics and diagnostics company, have announced a joint initiative to set up a diagnostic and basic research service laboratory with capabilities to serve the medical / hospital fields, at the Narayana Health City in Bangalore. The lab will see a combined investment of $5 million (Rs 30 crore).

The 'Multi-omics Diagnostics Lab', will be a one-stop solution for diagnostic testing of every aspect of a disease at the molecular level from the DNA to RNA to protein biomarkers dynamically. The Cell Multi-omics Diagnostic and Research Lounge will cover Genetics, Gene Testing, Whole Genome Sequencing, Gene Expression Microarrays, Proteomics and Immunohistochemistry.

Sam Santhosh, Chairman, MedGenome, said: "The effort envisages Medgenome-ANGEL (Advanced Novel Genetic Evaluation Laboratory) in genetic testing for rare and common genetic / hereditary diseases that includes various types of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, eye diseases, neonatal disorders among others."

For example, a patient with breast cancer can get tested for the breast cancer gene panel, including genes like BRCA and if positive, the female members of the family can also get tested and take appropriate precautions if they are positive for the mutations.

Similarly, for the hereditary eye cancer Retinoblastoma, the lab can identify the mutation and screen the entire family and newborns to ensure treatment and prevention.

On the partnership, Dr K Bhujang Shetty, Chairman & Managing Director, Narayana Nethralaya, said: "We are taking a big leap in addressing the health issues at the fundamental level through advanced tests."

Most of these tests include full gene analysis by DNA sequencing. Some of the genetic tests include the companion diagnostic tests that will help the clinician to choose the right treatment option for life threatening diseases like cancer.