India aims 80K genome sequencing of Covid-19 variants per month

To conduct vigorous genome sequencing of Covid19 variants across India, the department of biotechnology has decided to involve more private sector players in the mission

New Delhi: Private sector will play a key role in the genome sequencing mission of Covid-19 variants across India. With an aim to conduct more than 80,000 genomic sequencings per month, the department of biotechnology (DBT) has decided to involve more private sector players in this mission. The department already held meeting with some prominent private players to enhance the sequencing efforts.

"Some of the major private players who participated in the recent meeting over genomic sequencing are New Delhi-based Mahajan Imaging private limited, Bengaluru-based Strands Life sciences, Gurgaon-based NMC genetics India private limited among others.

Accordingly, a standard operating procedure (SOP) was also framed for the participants in genomic sequencing. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) may identify the potential laboratories through interest expressed by private sequencing laboratories which may be accredited for their sequencing capacities and infrastructure based on their capabilities, infrastructure and experience.

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Subsequently, the Delta and Delta Plus (B 1.617.2.1 (AY.1) variants were also identified on whole-genome sequencing analysis conducted in the INSACOG laboratories. These laboratories have carried out genomic sequencing of 60,000 positive cases from different states across India.

At a later stage, 18 more research laboratories were included in the network for enhancing sequencing efforts in the country. Initially, the focus of INSACOG was to restrict the spread of global variants of concern in the country like Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), and Gamma (P.1) which had high transmissibility.

At present, the Variants of Concern have been found in 174 districts in 35 states in India. INSACOG established for genomic surveillance in the country was set up in January 2021 with the initial participation of 10 national research laboratories.

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