India has taken a significant step forward in biomedical research with the inauguration of its first-ever Ferret Research Facility, the launch of the GARBH-INi-DRISHTI data repository, and a pivotal technology transfer agreement, all aimed at strengthening its role in global health security and advancing research in maternal and child health.
The groundbreaking event, held on February 3, 2025, at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) in Faridabad, Haryana, was led by Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Director General of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) and Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
First Ferret Research Facility: Boosting Disease Research
The newly inaugurated THSTI Ferret Research Facility marks a significant milestone for India in the fight against infectious diseases. The state-of-the-art facility will serve as a vital resource for vaccine development, therapeutic testing, and the study of viral pathogens, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2. With the ability to conduct research on diseases requiring ferrets as experimental models, the facility positions India at the forefront of pandemic preparedness and global health security.
GARBH-INi-DRISHTI: Revolutionizing Maternal and Child Health Research
In another major development, Dr. Gokhale launched the GARBH-INi-DRISHTI platform, a data-sharing hub that provides researchers with access to one of South Asia’s largest collections of clinical data. The database includes information from over 12,000 pregnant women, newborns, and postpartum mothers, enabling transformative research to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes. By facilitating collaboration between leading research institutions and hospitals, GARBH-INi-DRISHTI is set to make a significant impact on global healthcare policies.
Technology Transfer Agreement: Advancing Biomanufacturing
The event also saw the signing of a key Technology Transfer Agreement between THSTI and M/s Sundyota Numandis Probioceuticals Pvt. Ltd. This agreement focuses on the commercialization of Lactobacillus crispatus, a synthetic microbial consortium developed for nutraceutical applications. The consortium, which was isolated from the reproductive tracts of women enrolled in the GARBH-INi cohort, is designed to promote women’s reproductive and gut health, signaling a significant leap in microbiome-based health interventions.
THSTI’s Role in Shaping India’s Biotech Future
Prof. Ganesan Karthikeyan, Executive Director of THSTI, highlighted the institute’s commitment to advancing translational research and fostering industry-academia collaborations. These initiatives ranging from innovative research facilities to strategic industry partnerships reflect India’s dedication to creating a robust ecosystem for biotechnology and biomanufacturing.
Dr. Gokhale emphasized the importance of technology transfer agreements in bridging the gap between scientific discovery and industry application, ensuring that India’s research not only contributes to global biomedical science but also drives economic growth in its biotech sector.
With these groundbreaking initiatives, India is set to lead the way in biomedical research, enhance pandemic preparedness, and transform maternal and child healthcare on a global scale.