With the inauguration of a bio innovation centre here on Sunday, the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) is set to acquire a new platform for high-end disease research and diagnostics.
Scheduled to be dedicated to the nation by Union Minister for Science and Technology Harsh Vardhan at the KINFRA Film and Video Park near here, the facility constitutes the first phase of a Rs.100-crore project aimed at creating an ecosystem for fundamental research in disease biology and molecular medicine. Spread over 50,000 sq ft, the building has platforms for next generation genetic sequencing, high-end bio-imaging and molecular diagnostics.
“The burden of viral diseases is seen to be increasing at the global level. While Ebola, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome have been reported from several countries, Kerala’s encounter with bird flu and influenza virus and the possibility of new strains pose threats, highlighting the need for development of vaccines,” says M. Radhakrishna Pillai, Director, RGCB.
Four focus areas
The bio innovation centre will focus on four broad areas, namely laboratory medicine and molecular diagnostics, microbiome biology, chemical biology, and viral disease biology. The first thrust area involves the application of molecular sciences for disease management. Researchers at the centre will collaborate with clinicians to understand the impact of microbial genetic material on diseases such as cancers, diabetes, and schizophrenia.
Another major focus of the research programme is the development of synthetic anti-microbial peptides to overcome antibiotic resistance and the application of biodegradable polymers as nanoparticles for controlled release of anticancer drugs and targeted delivery of drugs. The viral disease biology programme is expected to result in the development of potent viral vectors for varying applications.
The second phase of the project slated to come up at Aakulam includes an advanced centre for molecular and cellular therapeutics and a 75-bed hospital to be operated in collaboration with the Regional Cancer Centre for clinical trials on cancer vaccines and methods such as stem cell therapy and gene therapy.
It will also provide business incubation facilities for biotechnology start-ups. Tender processes for the campus are in the final stages, Dr.Pillai said.
