Tata Institute for Genetics & Society Forge Partnership to Advance Research in Rare Genetic Disorders

The collaboration will focus on multiple areas of genetic research, including identifying novel genetic markers to develop large-scale diagnostic and screening assays using CRISPR technology.

The Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS) has formed strategic alliances with the Avestagenome Project International (AGENOME) and Avesthagen Limited.

The collaboration announced recently aims to advance research on rare genetic disorders.

Further, the partnership seeks to develop targeted solutions for conditions such as congenital deafness, muscular dystrophies, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and other complex genetic conditions, benefiting both the Zoroastrian Parsi community and the global population.

Leveraging a Unique Genetic Biobank

AGENOME’s extensive Biobank, which contains 4,700 blood samples from the Zoroastrian Parsi community, is a key asset for this research. Of these, 350 samples have already been sequenced, offering valuable genetic insights into rare disorders.

This data, combined with TIGS' expertise in functional genomics and molecular biology, will help drive innovations in early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions.

The partnership builds upon AGENOME’s previous collaboration with the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), which focused on neurological disorders such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease.

By integrating findings from both partnerships, this initiative aims to deepen the understanding of complex genetic conditions and develop innovative healthcare solutions.

Advancing Precision Medicine & Gene Therapy

The collaboration will focus on multiple areas of genetic research, including the identification of novel genetic markers to develop large-scale diagnostic and screening assays using CRISPR technology.

Additionally, researchers will explore the potential of substituting enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with mRNA-based treatments and assess the feasibility of in vivo gene therapy for diseases relevant to the Zoroastrian Parsi population.

Another key objective is to identify genetic variants that influence drug efficacy and safety, which will contribute to advancements in precision medicine.

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