The Department of Biotechnology plans to spend Rs 216 crore during the next financial year on research and development, including the new programmes in the medical biotechnology besides the existing projects.

New initiatives will be taken up in pathogen biology, host genetics, vector biology, drug devilment for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria and specialised virus research centres to address viral biology, pathogenesis and biomarkers would be set up, according to sources.

A nationwide network of centres is proposed for development of simple low cost diagnostics for infectious and other diseases. Rs 216 crore is allocated for the next financial year as against Rs 193 crore in the current year ending March for R&D programmes alone under the DBT.

At least six clinical research centres, biobanks, biomedical research and schools, transgenic animal facility are among the infrastructure proposals for vaccine and diagnostic development. A novel platform technologies for vaccines delivery systems is another initiative planned.

Besides the continuation of genetic counselling centres, new facilities in R&D for genomics of diseases and pathogens are being proposed.

The sources said, the DBT would take part in international initiatives on human cancer genome project - the cancer genome atlas. Stem cell and bio-engineering programmes and R&D projects in network mode for clinical trials, biodesign and development will also be taken up during the next fiscal year, sources said.

The Department has chalked out programmes on genomics resources, cell culture production of therapeutic agents and chemical/genetic profiling of selected medicinal and aromatic plants.

The programmes would also be taken up in nano-science and nano-biotechnology for potential application in medicine, apart from agriculture and environment, with the fund allocation for the next year, sources added.

By utilising a portion of the Rs 47.70 crore fund for programmes of excellence and innovation, two molecular medicine centres will be set up in two medical colleges, apart from translational centres designed for technology development in health.