Dr Samir K Brahmachari, director general, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), feels that genomics will play an important role in future. At the Ranbaxy Science Foundation's (RSF) 19th annual symposium on "Gains of Genomic Research in Biology and Medicine" held on February 4, 2013 at the National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, he spoke about the importance of open innovation in sharing ideas and research insights.

Sharing his thoughts with BioSpectrum, Dr Brahmachari called the symposium very thought provoking. He explained, "These kinds of deliberations prepare us for future. I am sure we will meet the challenges of making healthcare affordable. India right now is in a mode of discovery and we shall not stay in generic forever. For that we have to also concentrate on genomics in a big way, as this is the area that can bring a major paradigm shift. India is a melting pot in the world population and we have the strength to carry forward the genomics research at a huge scale for developing the predictive and personalized medicine."

Complimenting Ranbaxy for such an initiative, he added, "Industry houses must support good science and Ranbaxy has done it again and again. Others too must keep contributing."

Earlier while addressing the audience, he mentioned that $5 million boost has been given to the generic drug industry by the government of India. "This is an important step for making the drugs affordable. Streptokinase developed by the Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH) over the period of years, is a perfect example of bringing down the cost drastically," said Dr Brahmachari.

Eminent scientists from India and abroad deliberated on all aspects of R&D in genomics to address major challenge in India.

Later in the evening, RSF's 27th annual research awards for the year 2011 were presented to researchers by Prof. Dhavendra Kumar, consultant in Clinical Genetics, Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.