CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) and Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) have signed up to work to address problems of genetic diseases of Indian population.

Both these premier institutions are engaged in cutting edge biological research in these areas. For more than two decades both the institutes have been offering genetic diagnostic services as well.

Directors of CCMB and CDFD Rakesh K Mishra and Debashis Mitra have decided to enter into a MoU to maximise the potential of both the institutes in human disease diagnostics.

They said in a statement, they plan to provide quality DNA-based diagnostic services at low cost, develop diagnostic methods and improve understanding of human genetic disorders. The institutes have also mutually agreed to undertake training and educational activities in the field of genetic diagnostics.

In a statement they said “Genetic disorders form a major group of non-communicable diseases. Congenital malformations and genetic disorders are the third commonest cause of mortality in neonates in cities.” Estimates for genetic disorders show that more than 50 lakh babies are born each year with genetic disease in India.

Most of these disorders are presently untreatable and for those which can be treated, the treatment is very expensive. The only option to address this problem is the preventive approach which requires prenatal diagnosis and genetic counselling.