Reference:

• The Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, inaugurated India's first Phenome India National Biobank at CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi.

Key Points:

• Objective: To create India’s first longitudinal health database, enabling personalized treatment for every Indian based on their genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment.

Structure and Functioning of the Biobank:

• Data Collection: Genomic, clinical, and lifestyle data of 10,000 individuals from across India will be collected.
• Inspiration: Modeled after the UK Biobank, but customized to suit India’s geography, ethnicity, and socio-economic diversity.
• Benefits: Early diagnosis and better treatment of diabetes, cancer, heart diseases, and rare genetic disorders. Promotes AI-based diagnostics and gene-guided therapy.

Key Features of Phenome India National Biobank:

Significance of the Inauguration:

• Adapted to Indian Context: This biobank is tailored to reflect India’s geographic, ethnic, and socio-economic diversity, making the research more relevant and useful to the Indian population.
• Step Towards Personalized Medicine: Based on the collected data, each individual can receive customized treatment considering their genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
• Revolution in Disease Research: Scientists will gain deeper insights into diseases like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and rare genetic disorders, enabling early diagnosis and targeted treatment.
• AI and Gene-based Solutions: The initiative will generate high-quality Indian data for AI-driven and gene-based therapies in the future.

Social and Scientific Impact:

• Health Policy Formulation: Data from the biobank will help governments and policymakers formulate accurate, evidence-based public health strategies.
• Scientific Innovation: It will bolster Indian leadership in areas like CRISPR, quantum technology, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• Social Inclusion: Participation from diverse regions, age groups, and socio-economic backgrounds will enable inclusive health solutions.

Phenome India Project:

• A major health surveillance and research initiative of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) aimed at assessing risk factors for non-communicable (cardio-metabolic) diseases in India and developing India-specific predictive models.

Primary Objectives:

• To develop India-specific risk prediction models for cardio-metabolic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, etc.)
• To study the impact of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors on the Indian population
• To create long-term, data-driven solutions for health policy development

Key Features:

Importance of the Project:

• Nationwide Longitudinal Study: First-ever large-scale longitudinal study in India for cardio-metabolic diseases
• Indian-Specific Solutions: Algorithms based on Western datasets are not suitable for Indian populations; hence, India-specific models are essential
• Towards Personalized Medicine: Enables tailored treatment strategies based on genetic and lifestyle data of each person
• Support for Policy Formulation: Helps policymakers formulate accurate, data-driven public health strategies

Scientific and Social Impact:

• Prevention and Management: Helps in risk stratification, prevention, and management of cardio-metabolic disorders
• Data-Driven Innovation: Facilitates AI-based diagnostics and gene-driven medical solutions using stored biological samples and health data
• Inclusive Participation: Ensures participation from diverse regions, ethnicities, and socio-economic groups across the country