Bengaluru based Clevergene has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research- Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI) in Mysuru to sequence the SARS-CoV-2 genome and derive valuable insights into virus genome changes (mutations), evolution, epidemiology, and provide an understanding of the spatial and temporal information on infection dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to afflict the human population across the globe and many countries are experiencing the second wave of infections, there is a pressing need for India to enhance its pandemic fighting abilities and efforts. The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is causing the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to mutate into different strains, making it difficult for the scientific and medical community to control or eradicate it. In such a scenario, the cutting-edge science of Genomics is coming to the rescue of mankind. There are major ongoing genomic projects in almost all countries, to understand the mutations, virulence, susceptibility and infection patterns of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Using the power of Genomics, at Clevergene’s Next Generation Sequencing laboratory in Bengaluru, scientists at the CFTRI COVID Testing Lab, and team Clevergene, aim to work together towards unraveling better diagnostics and contributing to India’s efforts of genomic surveillance.

CSIR-CFTRI has established a COVID-19 testing centre in Mysuru where it is testing an average of 1,000 samples daily. CFTRI is also working on the development of novel dipstick and aptamer-based diagnostics in collaboration with the industry. Under the MoU, the development of novel diagnostics and vaccines for COVID-19 are also envisaged.

The MoU was exchanged between Dr B Manohar, Chief Scientist and Adviser – M&A and Tony Jose, Co Founder and CEO – Clevergene in the presence of senior CFTRI staff members.