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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday released the genome sequencing data of 10,000 Indian nationals and said it will be a milestone in the field of biotechnology research. The Genome India Data, that represents the genetic diversity in the country, will be available to researchers at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) through managed access. "I am confident this will be a milestone in the field of biotechnology research," Modi said in a video-recorded statement played out at the Genomics Data Conclave organised by the Department of Biotechnology here. Modi said more than 20 renowned research institutions like IITs, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and Biotechnology Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) have played an important role in this research. The prime minister said this national database encapsulated the extraordinary genetic landscape of the country and promised to serve as an invaluable scientific resource. "It will facilitate advancements
Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw on Thursday called for more investment in research and development to drive innovation and foster culture of intellectual property. She highlighted how the country, already the world's largest exporter of generics and a major player in vaccine production, can achieve greater value by nurturing innovation. Mazumdar-Shaw called for a shift in focus toward value creation through innovation. "India ranks 14th in terms of value in the global pharma landscape. We need to invest in R&D and foster a culture of intellectual property to capture greater value," she said. Addressing a session during the Global Bio-India 2024 event, she positioned the country as a future global leader in biosciences and innovation. Mazumdar-Shaw emphasized India's unique advantages in becoming a global bio-innovation hub, citing the nation's rich scientific talent, robust technological capabilities, and entrepreneurial drive. "Biology is not only the most exciting and ...
The Union Cabinet on Saturday approved the 'BioE3' (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy for fostering high-performance biomanufacturing of the Department of Biotechnology. According to Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the BioE3 policy seeks to include innovation-driven support for research and development and entrepreneurship across thematic sectors. This will accelerate technology development and commercialisation by establishing biomanufacturing and bio-AI hubs and biofoundry, he said. Along with prioritising regenerative bioeconomy models of green growth, this policy will facilitate the expansion of India's skilled workforce and provide a surge in job creation. An official statement said, the policy will further strengthen the government's initiatives such as a Net Zero' carbon economy and Lifestyle for Environment' and will steer India on the path of accelerated Green Growth' by promoting a Circular Bioeconomy'. "The BioE3 Polic
Zydus Lifesciences on Saturday said it has inked a pact with Perfect Day Inc to acquire 50 per cent stake in Sterling Biotech. As part of the deal, Perfect Day Inc, a Temasek portfolio company, will sell its 50 per cent shareholding in Sterling Biotech for an undisclosed amount. Post the transaction, Sterling Biotech will become a 50:50 joint venture with equal representation on the Board, Zydus Lifesciences said in a statement. Financial details of the deal were not shared. The JV will establish a manufacturing facility to manufacture fermented animal-free protein to cater to the global markets, it added. The acquisition also marks Zydus' foray into specialised biotech products for health and nutrition, specifically catering to consumers who prefer animal-free protein or suffer from lactose intolerance, the Gujarat-based firm said. Perfect Day's precision-fermented protein is found in ice creams, cream cheese, sports nutrition products, and baked goods with high functionality ..