GeneTech, the Hyderabad based genetic diagnostic services company, is planning to set up two research laboratories catering to biochemical and DNA molecular researches. The company, which is envisaging Rs 1 crore investment in these projects, is expecting to open the labs by next month.

The laboratories will be located near the existing premises of GeneTech at Hyderabad, said Dr. Anuradha Udumudi, Founder and Director, GeneTech.

She added that the molecular lab where DNA testing can be done would be open for contract research, which will facilitate pharma companies primarily based in Hyderabad and in other cities too. The company is to acquire a Real Time PCR (Polymorphic Chain Reaction). With the Biochemical Lab detection of common metabolic diseases that can be treatable would become possible.

Dr Anuradha, said that the neonatal screening will help in controlling genetic disorders such as Hypothyroidism, PKU and Galectosomia in the early stages, she emphasized. The company is aiming to become a comprehensive genetics diagnostic and counseling center, she added.

It has established links with 23 labs around in AP and in neighbouring states under GeneTEch Partnership Programme. The company has also established service linkages with Government Hospitals and Missionary run hospitals, extending services at very normal charges.

The company has just concluded with University of Leeds, with Dr. Howard Stephen Cuckle, professor- School of Medicine as the coordinator, to jointly work on Down’s Syndrome screening and infertility related aspects. This tie up is first of its kind in India. University of Leeds is providing advisory and research support.

“We have established good name and respect. Though the growth of the company has been slow in the past efforts will be made to pace up development. We would like to improve our financial position and also wish to offer quality life to people of the country”, said Dr. Anuradha.

She asserted that plans are in place to identify mutations for Indian population and emphasis would be made towards R & D in the future.