Govt exploring benefit of genomic research for precision drugs

The Centre is taking steps to explore the benefit of using genomic research for precision medicine, the Lok Sabha was informed today.
"The Science and Engineering Research Board under the Department of Science and Technology has taken steps to explore the benefit of using genomic research for precision medicine approach," MoS for Health Faggan Singh Kulaste said in a written reply.
He said the department has sponsored various projects, especially mapping the genes responsible for a number of non-communicable diseases, to strengthen and promote genomic research.
"Studies are in progress to delineate the etiopathogenesis of various diseases, which will have impact on early diagnosis and prevention. Apart from this, extramural programmes have been initiated by the DST for scientists in this area," Kulaste said.

He said the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has set up a task force on pharmacogenomics in 2012 and has funded 11 projects between 2015 and 2017.
The ICMR has also funded advance centre on genomics Type 2 diabetes while the health ministry is also running a national programme to check the rise of non-communicable diseases, the minister said.
Precision medicine is an emerging approach for treatment and prevention of diseases that takes into account individual variability in genes, environment and lifestyle for each person.