Xcode Life bets big on preventive healthcare

Chennai-based biotechnology start-up Xcode Life Sciences Private Limited is betting big on the preventive healthcare space through 'genetic profiling' or 'DNA analysis' of an individual.

“Master health check-ups are widely done for preventive health, while genetic profiling is relatively new in India. Despite the low awareness level, we are receiving around 40 enquiries per day from across the country, including from Tier II and III cities,” said Saleem Mohammed, founder of Xcode.

The venture, set up in July 2012, has so far has done DNA profiling of 100 individuals under its Lifelong Wellness programme that aims at identifying an individual’s predisposition to lifestyle disorders by doing a DNA analysis of her saliva.

It was started with an initial investment of $0.5 million by Shead Holdings, a micro-venture capital fund from the US, and R Narayanan from Chennai Angels.

“The firm is looking at raising venture capital funding of $4 million in the next six-eight months,” he said. Going forward, it plans to tie up with corporate organisations and hospitals.

Xcode on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding with Hyderabad-based Sandor Proteomics, a contract research company, where Sandor will take care of the research of the collected samples.