Researchers and scientists working in the field of ‘Ayurgenomics’ are expected to get full government support for taking up innovative research to discover low cost solutions to reduce the disease burden of the country.

As part of its Make in India programme, Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences(MSTES) under Central government is planning to support scientists and researchers in the field of Ayurgenomics in a big way.

According to Dr Harsh Vardah, Union minister for science and technology and earth sciences, in the coming days Ayurgenomics would get full government support as it holds exciting possibilities in mankind’s search for low-cost solutions to the global disease burden. The inter-disciplinary efforts towards translational and innovative research through Ayurgenomics in the CSIR Unit - TRISUTRA, he felt can catalyze future leadership in molecular medicine.

In fact, Ayurgenomics is relatively a new field of medical science linking the traditional Indian System of Medicine, Ayurveda, with genomics.  Mitali Mukerji, a principal scientist at the CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) was the first Indian scientists to coin the word Ayurgenomics. She has been awarded with prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award in 2010 for her notable achievement in the field of human genomics.

As part of Make in India project, scientists and technologists working on genomics and integrative biology are also urged to focus on common diseases afflicting Indians and to translate their work into more effective cures. Visiting Clinical Genomics, Ayurgenomics, Con-focal Lab, Zebra Fish, FACS, BSL-3 and Animal House facilities at CSIR-IGIB in New Delhi, Dr Harsh Vardhan praised the efforts of Indian scientists for developing innovative diagnostic technologies, high science therapeutics and specialized services at CSIR-IGIB. “Continuous efforts of Indian scientists and researchers will definitely contribute towards quality and affordable healthcare and generate valuable intellectual property that could be monetized globally,” said the Minister.

In December 2009, CSIR-IGIB for the first time succeeded in genome sequencing of an Indian citizen. This unique feat has put India in the elite band of nations with this capability. This breakthrough is also interpreted as a signpost in the search for low-cost health solutions. Scientists have discovered the unique Indian genetic risks for asthma, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and other conditions. New initiatives in skin biology while attracting industrial collaborations is simultaneously delivering societal values by understanding neglected diseases such as vitiligo.