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diagnostics in India. We work with
hospitals and clinicians in the
country to offer diagnostics services
based on genomics. MedGenome
offers pan- India sample collection,
monitored by state-of-the-art
management information systems,
offering all technology platforms for
sequencing and advanced analytics
for high-end interpretation. All these
in collaborations with hospitals,
doctors within hospitals and specialty
labs across the country.
collaborations and future expansion
is towards familiarising and creating
awareness regarding genetic tests
even to the remote corners of India.
Our mission has always been to
improve global health by developing
deep insights into diseases at the
genetic and molecular level.
MedGenome aims to be a global
player in genomics in the
coming years.
big step in educating their patients.
Advances in bioinformatics have
improved the quality of insights
generated from the analysis of
genomic data; but the flood of
genomic information continues
to challenge our existing
analytical capabilities.
Certain factors like regulatory body
approval, and reimbursement from
insurance companies may prove to be
crucial in determining
the growth of this
industry. In the western
world, insurers have
started accepting
genomic tests in their
formulary as it is
expected to reduce the
cost of down-the-line
treatment. In India,
these tests are yet to be
offered at affordable
prices. There is also a
great need for clinicians
who have a good
understanding of
genomics and its
clinical significance.
The patient journey
must be well managed so that if a
particular condition is identified, the
experts are brought in to handle the
situation and help the individual.
There is a dearth of genetic
counsellors who can explain
genomics findings to the affected
individuals and their families. In
addition to this, factors like lack of
resources for effective data analysis,
cost of technology, lack of baseline
genomics data of Indian origin and
unclear policies on intellectual
property rights also pose hindrances
to the industry.
The patient journey must be
well managed so that if a
particular condition is
identified, the experts are brought in
to handle the situation and help the
individual. There is a dearth of
genetic counsellors who can explain
genomics findings to the affected
individuals and their families.
For institutions with
research focus,
MedGenome partners
to establish research
and diagnostics centres
pooling in the
combined capabilities
of both the institutions.
Company invests in
designing, building and
maintaining such
genomics centres
within the partner
institutions. These
genomic centres at key
locations across the
country also facilitate
the dissemination of
scientific knowledge to the local
population, while allowing them to
avail of cost-effective genetic testing,
an expensive option if availed of
abroad. They also help in reduction
of time for diagnosis and cost of
treatment by enabling early
diagnosis, and facilitating preventive
measures like family screening.
We have almost doubled in revenues
in FY 2015 compared to last year. Our
international collaborations have also
seen fruit across various countries
primarily because of the high quality
and affordable testing that we offer in
this region.
What is the future outlook of the
company including the short and
long term plans?
MedGenome is a pioneer in
genomics-based diagnostics and
research in India and we intend to
expand our base by penetrating deep
into the market. Our strategic
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BioVoiceNews | June 2016
Expansion of our academic research
collaboration is a focus. MedGenome
is developing targeted collaborations
with both Indian and international
academic institutes and scientists, to
whom our genomic research
capacities, will be showcased. At a
global level we plan to expand our
genetic diagnostics and academic
research collaboration in various
geographies including Middle-East
and South-East Asia, and in countries
where there is a huge burden of
genetic disorders.
Experts say India has the
potential to be the diagnostic
capital of the world but there are
challenges. How would you
comment on this?
The future of the industry is
promising. However it brings with it
a necessity for better data
management and conversion to
clinical application. Doctors and
hospitals in India are also taking a
Overall, genomics offers a plethora of
opportunities that are yet to be
seized. The greatest benefit that can
come from the application of
genomics to human health care is to
provide prescribers and individuals
with useful insights into their
genotype which will enable them to
take preventive/curative steps for
their disease management.