MedGenome Labs has partnered with department of biotechnology at IIT-Madras and SciGenom Research Foundation to bring together eminent clinicians and researchers to deliberate on better diagnostics and management of diseases with genomics.

The symposium held at IIT Madras, created an interface for practicing physicians, clinical and research geneticists on various aspects of familial diseases. It discussed an overview of the disease profiles in the Indian sub-continent and on the potential of genomics to contribute to better diagnostics and management of the diseases.

Speakers included Dr Ennapadam Krishnamoorthy, Dr Vijayalakshmi from Adyar Cancer Centre, Dr Ajit Mullasseril from MMM, Chennai, Dr V Mohan from Madras Diabetic Research Foundation,  Sam Santhosh, chief executive officer, MedGenome and professor Rama Shanker Verma from IIT Chennai.

“We are happy to be able to collaborate with the department of biotechnology, IIT Chennai to bring together eminent clinicians and discuss about the advancements in science,” said Sam Santhosh, CEO, MedGenome.

With the advent of new technologies such as next generation sequencing (NGS) and improved analytics, algorithms and tools for genomic data analysis in the recent years, decoding an individual’s genome went through a revolution by exponentially reducing sequencing cost while increasing processing speed. Genetic testing has so far gained considerable traction in clinical setting for prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases with an underlying genetic reason, he added.

The department of biotechnology at IIT Madras has a strong interdisciplinary research and academic standing in biological sciences, engineering and is in active collaboration with industries and health care institutions. The focus of the department includes basic research in modern biotechnology and molecular basis of health and disease.