During a review of COVID 19 activities by the government, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has announced the launch of 1000 Genome sequencing of SARS-Cov 2 virus by DBT Autonomous Institutions consortia to understand viral and host genomics of COVID-19 outbreak.

This study will sequence 1000 SARS Cov-2 genomes from the clinical samples to understand the evolving molecular phylogeny of the virus and the emerging mutations in the viral RNA as well as identify the host genetic variations which correlate with transmission, susceptibility and disease severity.

This study is being coordinated by NIBMG, Kalyani with active participation from CDFD, Hyderabad; ILS, Bhubaneswar; NCCS, Pune; InStem, Bengaluru along with other DBT Autonomous Institutions.

The findings of this study will also assist development of efficient diagnostic assays, vaccine and drug candidates and help formulate policies for containment of the outbreak.