Date:02/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/02/stories/2008020255320600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

US firm donates equipment to Genome Foundation

HYDERABAD: US-based Applied Biosystems, a global leader in the development of instrument-based systems, consumables, software and services for the life sciences market, on Friday donated DNA sequencing equipment worth Rs.45 lakh to city-based Genome Foundation.

The foundation is headed by Dr. Lalji Singh, Director, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), who is the managing director and founder-member. Mark Stevenson, president of the US firm, handed over the genetic analyser at CCMB. A non-profit organisation, the foundation proposes to set up a main diagnostic centre here and satellite/sub/collection centres all over the country, particularly targeting rural population.

It proposes to reduce the burden of genetic disorders, Dr. Singh told a press conference.

DST grant

The foundation received a grant of Rs.35 lakh from the Department of Sciences and Technology. It is to be allotted five acres by the State. It would conduct surveys on genetic disorders in 100 villages across the country in two years.

Mr. Stevenson stated that ‘our partnership with Labindia (suppliers of Applied Biosystems’ equipment) and the Genome Foundation creates an infrastructure whereby researchers can build their understanding of many diseases.

P.M. Bhargava, one of the directors, pledged the support of New Delhi-based company, Global Health, with which renowned cardiac surgeon Naresh Trehan is associated. K. P. C. Gandhi, C.M. Habeebulah, G.R. Chandak, founder-directors, and Kakarla Subba Rao, director of the foundation, were present.