https://biospectrumindia.com/rssfeed/states/tamil%20nadu tamil nadu https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28635/pm-modi-launches-iit-madras-brain-centres-mission-of-3d-mapping-100-human-brains-at-cell-resolution-across-human-life.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28635/pm-modi-launches-iit-madras-brain-centres-mission-of-3d-mapping-100-human-brains-at-cell-resolution-across-human-life.html Mon, 12 Oct 2026 12:59:17 +0530 Narendra Modi, Prime Minister, on Sunday (11th Oct 2026) kicked off IIT Madras Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre’s (SGBC) mission of mapping 100+ human brains into 3D atlases at cell-resolution across human life span from foetus to old age, including brain related diseases. This will be the largest set of 3D maps of whole human brains at cell resolution. As part of the mission, the Prime Minister released ‘C-STROKE’, the world’s first human ischemic stroke atlas developed by SGBC. C-STROKE is a landmark resource that bridges millimeter-scale pre-mortem MRI scans with micron-resolution whole-brain histology. This research is supported by Prem Watsa, Distinguished Alumnus of IIT Madras and Chairman of Fairfax Financial. The atlas features over 1000 annotated brain sections from a stroke affected brain. By mapping critical cellular markers including neuronal health, neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier disruption, hypoxia, and axonal injury, the atlas reveals for the first time the details of clinical imaging signatures at a microscopic cellular level. The 3D maps were generated using Param Shakti supercomputer supported by MeitY. Complete with an open-access data viewer and analytical suite, the platform equips global researchers and clinicians to interrogate cerebrovascular pathology across spatial scales for discovering novel therapeutic targets directly in the human brain. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28636/herbalife-india-unveils-phyto-innovation-accelerator-to-advance-indias-plant-biotechnology-ecosystem.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28636/herbalife-india-unveils-phyto-innovation-accelerator-to-advance-indias-plant-biotechnology-ecosystem.html Mon, 12 Oct 2026 13:10:40 +0530 Herbalife International India, and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have launched the Herbalife–IIT Madras Phyto Innovation Accelerator Programme, an industry-academia initiative to translate plant biotechnology research into scalable solutions for health, wellness and sustainable biomanufacturing. Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Education, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and New & Renewable Energy, inaugurated the programme at the IIT Madras Research Park in the presence of Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, and Ajay Khanna, Managing Director, Herbalife India. Building on the Herbalife–IIT Madras Centre of Excellence on Plant Cell Fermentation Technology (HL-IITM CoE PCFT) established in June 2026, the programme fuses India's traditional botanical wisdom with modern science, deep technology and entrepreneurship. It embodies the national research vision of Jai Anusandhan while advancing sustainable biomanufacturing through the BioE3 policy. Ultimately, it aims to build a nationally recognised innovation ecosystem that transforms plant biotechnology innovations into market-ready technologies while fostering research, innovation and capacity building across health, wellness, nutrition and sustainable biomanufacturing. The programme will operate through two verticals over a three-year period. Under the Phytothon vertical, innovation challenges and hackathons will be conducted every six months to identify promising innovations in plant biotechnology, nutraceuticals, functional foods, botanical ingredients and sustainable biomanufacturing. Up to three startups will be supported annually through access to shared scientific infrastructure and specialised laboratory facilities at the IIT Madras Bioincubator and HL-IITM CoE PCFT, including customised bioreactors for plant cell cultivation, analytical and computational systems, along with technical mentorship, pre-incubation support, and proof-of-concept development. The second vertical, Global University Innovation Network, will foster international collaborations through student and faculty exchanges, collaborative research, webinars, seminars, workshops, short-term courses, publications and co-organized conferences. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28630/centre-for-3d-cancer-omics-launches-at-indian-institute-of-technology-madras.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28630/centre-for-3d-cancer-omics-launches-at-indian-institute-of-technology-madras.html Sun, 11 Oct 2026 14:47:10 +0530 The Centre for 3D Cancer Omics has been launched at Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, supported by the Gogri family, IIT Madras, and India's Translational Research Initiative (ITRI)Housed at the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre (SGBC), the Centre will build on its advanced 3D tissue imaging capabilities to develop a comprehensive 3D tumour atlas at single-cell resolution. By bringing together 3D tissue structure with molecular and liquid biopsy data, the Centre aims to build a deeper understanding of how tumours develop, evolve and respond to treatment.Over the next five years, the programme will focus initially on breast cancer, with the ambition to translate this rich dataset into clinically actionable biomarkers, AI-enabled diagnostic tools, digital pathology applications and new avenues for targeted therapies. The Centre is expanding its team and has the following full-time, onsite openings at the IIT Madras campus in Chennai: Principal Project ScientistProject Scientist, Cancer BiologyProject Scientist, Computational BiologyResearch Associate, Histopathology & GenomicsResearch Associate, Computational BiologyProject ManagerLab Technician ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28622/thyrocare-expands-presence-in-madurai-with-launch-of-new-diagnostic-laboratory.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28622/thyrocare-expands-presence-in-madurai-with-launch-of-new-diagnostic-laboratory.html Thu, 08 Oct 2026 20:53:12 +0530 Thyrocare Technologies has announced the launch of its new diagnostic laboratory in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The facility was inaugurated by Rahul Guha, Managing Director & CEO, Thyrocare and API Holdings. The launch marks another step in Thyrocare’s efforts to strengthen its diagnostic network and improve access to reliable and affordable diagnostic services across emerging markets. The new laboratory is equipped to cater to routine as well as specialised diagnostic testing requirements and is supported by trained professionals and Thyrocare’s technology-enabled diagnostic processes. The facility is expected to support the growing healthcare needs of patients, laboratories and healthcare partners across Madurai and the surrounding regions. The expansion strengthens Thyrocare’s local presence in Tamil Nadu and enables greater access to its diagnostic services, supported by standardised processes, timely sample processing and reliable reporting. The launch is also aligned with the company’s continued focus on expanding its network beyond key metropolitan markets and bringing quality diagnostic services closer to patients. Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Rahul Guha, Managing Director & CEO, Thyrocare and  API Holdings, said, “At Thyrocare, our focus has always been on making quality and trustworthy diagnostic services more accessible to people across India. The launch of our new laboratory in Madurai is another step towards strengthening our presence in emerging markets and bringing our technology-led diagnostic capabilities closer to patients." With the launch of its new laboratory in Madurai, Thyrocare continues to strengthen its diagnostic footprint across India, with a focus on expanding access to standardised and affordable testing beyond the metro markets. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28577/linux-secures-70-m-strategic-investment-from-chrys-capital-and-tata-capital-healthcare-fund.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28577/linux-secures-70-m-strategic-investment-from-chrys-capital-and-tata-capital-healthcare-fund.html Wed, 30 Sep 2026 16:27:02 +0530 Chennai-based Linux Laboratories, one of India’s fastest-growing domestic formulations companies, has secured $70 million in equity capital from ChrysCapital and Tata Capital Healthcare Fund III (TCHF III). ChrysCapital has acquired a significant minority stake in Linux. The transaction comprises a combination of primary capital and secondary purchase and includes the full exit of Tata Capital Healthcare Fund II (TCHF II) at approximately 4x returns. Avendus Capital acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Linux on the transaction. Linux is a specialty-focused domestic formulations platform with a portfolio of over 125 brands spanning ~400 SKUs. Linux has established a leadership position in central nervous system (CNS) therapies, covering epilepsy, neuropathic pain, depression and autism, and has extended into dermatology, cardio-diabetics and nutraceuticals. The company has combined organic brand-building with a disciplined acquisition track record, having integrated and scaled the Biomedica and Indiabulls Pharmaceuticals portfolios alongside brands acquired from Cipla and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories. The company also operates its own WHO-GMP certified manufacturing facility, which supports backward integration for the branded business while anchoring a growing contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) operation and an export presence across countries. The proceeds will support Linux’s next phase of growth, including deepening its presence in core specialties, entry into adjacent therapeutic areas, continued brand acquisitions, and further investment in manufacturing and R&D capabilities. India’s branded formulations market continues to attract strong investor interest, driven by the rising burden of chronic and sub-chronic conditions and the growing share of specialty-led, prescriber-facing portfolios. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28579/4basecare-partners-with-cancer-institute-wia-to-expand-access-to-precision-oncology-in-chennai.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28579/4basecare-partners-with-cancer-institute-wia-to-expand-access-to-precision-oncology-in-chennai.html Wed, 30 Sep 2026 17:13:49 +0530 4baseCare, a leading precision oncology company in Bengaluru, has partnered with Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, Chennai, to expand access to advanced genomic testing for cancer patients. The collaboration brings together the Institute’s patient-centric cancer care ecosystem with 4baseCare’s expertise in comprehensive genomic profiling and precision oncology. It is focused on enabling patients to access advanced molecular testing closer to where they receive care, with accessibility and affordability at the centre of the initiative. This marks 4baseCare’s first laboratory collaboration with a cancer centre in Chennai, further strengthening its growing network of collaborative laboratories and healthcare institutions across India. Genomic profiling provides deeper insight into the molecular characteristics of a patient’s tumour, helping oncologists identify relevant genomic alterations that may inform treatment strategies, including targeted therapies and clinical trial opportunities where appropriate. “Precision oncology can have its greatest impact when advanced genomic testing is accessible to the patients who need it. Our collaboration with Cancer Institute (WIA) is an important step towards making comprehensive genomic testing more accessible and affordable, particularly for patients in Chennai and the wider region,” said Hitesh Goswami, Co-Founder and CEO, 4baseCare.   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28546/iit-madras-announces-initial-funding-from-deep-tech-venture-capital-fund.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28546/iit-madras-announces-initial-funding-from-deep-tech-venture-capital-fund.html Sat, 26 Sep 2026 16:19:13 +0530 Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) has announced the ‘first close’ (Initial funding round) of its deep-tech venture capital fund. This marks a significant milestone in the Institute’s efforts to strengthen India’s deep-tech innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. The fund will address a critical gap in India’s deep-tech ecosystem, the availability of capital that is patient enough to support technology development led by domain expertise, technical mentorship and access to institutional networks. The ‘IIT Madras Unicorn Frontier Fund I’, launched by IIT Madras Research Park and Unicorn India Ventures, targets raising Rs 600–1,000 crore to provide patient capital to deep-tech startups emerging from and supported by the IIT Madras ecosystem. The fund is designed to provide patient capital, technical depth and mentorship to deep-tech startups that emerge from, or can be supported by, the IIT Madras ecosystem. Alumni have shown strong interest in the initiative, with investments from alumni exceeding Rs 150 crore. Under the partnership, IIT Madras Research Park and Unicorn India Ventures will work closely in strategic portfolio construction. A significant portion of the portfolio is expected to be sourced from the broader IIT Madras ecosystem, with the remaining investments coming from the wider Indian deep-tech ecosystem. The fund will focus on IP-led, engineering-intensive startups, including those working in areas such as robotics, space technology, defence technology and semiconductors, aligned with India’s national strategic interests. The majority of the portfolio will focus on early-stage deep-tech companies that have reached Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 3–4. Approximately 60% of the corpus will be deployed towards building the portfolio, while the balance will be reserved for follow-on investment rounds. Structured as a 10+2-year fund, it is intended to support startups through the longer development and commercialisation cycles characteristic of deep-tech ventures. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28487/wadhwani-school-of-data-science-and-ai-at-iit-madras-unveils-ai-studio.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28487/wadhwani-school-of-data-science-and-ai-at-iit-madras-unveils-ai-studio.html Tue, 15 Sep 2026 17:07:10 +0530 The Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI (WSAI) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras will launch ‘AI Studio’, a venture studio designed to build artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and data science companies from the Institute’s research. The AI Studio is designed to help researchers and founders take research concepts from the idea stage to a viable and scalable business. Each cohort venture will be supported with seed funding, cloud and compute credits, lab access, mentoring, an Entrepreneur-in-Residence, and product-market-fit support, taking them from idea to a formal spin-out into the IIT-M Incubation Cell ecosystem. The Studio will be open to IIT Madras and WSAI researchers, academic founders from other institutions, and external entrepreneurs with an AI, ML or data science venture or idea. Applicants will go through two stages. The first will be an initial training and bootcamp open to a larger applicant pool, followed by a full studio programme for a smaller set of selected ventures. Call for applications for the inaugural cohort will be launched on October 3rd 2026. Ventures admitted to the Studio will undergo a six-month venture development and evaluation programme, which can be extended by up to three months for ventures progressing towards an institutional funding round. The Studio will run two cohorts a year, with applications opening in the winter and spring cycles. The launch builds on IIT Madras' broader deep-tech incubation ecosystem, which has supported the incubation of hundreds of deep-tech startups collectively valued at $8 billion and has resulted in the creation of over 11,000 direct jobs. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28443/zeiss-launches-innovation-hub-at-iit-madras-research-park.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28443/zeiss-launches-innovation-hub-at-iit-madras-research-park.html Mon, 07 Sep 2026 19:19:27 +0530 Zeiss, an international leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics, has launched Zeiss Innovation Hub at IIT Madras Research Park (IITMRP), Chennai. The new Innovation Hub will strengthen collaboration between Zeiss' global research network and the IIT Madras ecosystem, bringing together faculty, researchers, startups and industry to accelerate long-term research and technology translation. The hub will focus on areas including advanced frugal engineering, harsh-environment optics, robotics and fluid dynamics, while fostering interdisciplinary research with real-world industrial applications. It will also support researcher exchanges, postgraduate research and closer engagement with IIT Madras students and graduates. Zeiss Innovation Hubs are built around the ambition to transform today's research into tomorrow's applications by identifying high-potential technologies, validating their feasibility, and accelerating innovations that can shape industries over the next decade and beyond. The new hub expands this global research footprint, creating opportunities to collaborate with the IITM Research Park’s world-class research talent and deep-tech innovation ecosystem. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28428/iit-m-and-cmc-vellore-build-ai-tools-for-early-kidney-disease-detection.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28428/iit-m-and-cmc-vellore-build-ai-tools-for-early-kidney-disease-detection.html Thu, 03 Sep 2026 23:09:24 +0530 Researchers from Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) and Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, have developed a set of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based tools designed to assist in the early detection and assessment of kidney diseases, which affect millions of people worldwide. The team has developed three technologies that complement each other- A machine learning model that uses clinical and laboratory information to predict the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). A deep learning system that automatically analyzes CT scans and classifies them into four categories: normal kidney, kidney cyst, kidney stone, and kidney tumour. A 3D imaging platformthat recreates kidneys from CT scans to precisely assess tumour volume and the percentage of kidney involvement. These tools can enable earlier diagnosis, which could help slow the disease process and reduce the need for expensive interventions like dialysis. The CT image classifier has been trained with over 12,000 images and can distinguish healthy kidneys from cysts, stones and tumors. The 3D imaging framework developed using open-source software provides an inexpensive and repeatable method for measuring tumor burden, which can provide valuable information to help guide treatment decisions. The CKD prediction model was implemented in a user-friendly prototype interface to facilitate future clinical translation. The team also worked on making it more accurate and more easily understood by the doctors who are using it to make their predictions. The team intends to test the models with more patient information sets to validate them and establish stronger partnerships with health care institutions for deployment in the real world. The researchers are also exploring the long-term integration of these AI technologies with minimally invasive wearable sensing systems and Digital Twin platforms to enable personalised kidney health monitoring ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28371/depuy-synthes-announces-collaboration-with-cmc-vellore-to-establish-orthopaedic-skill-lab.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28371/depuy-synthes-announces-collaboration-with-cmc-vellore-to-establish-orthopaedic-skill-lab.html Tue, 25 Aug 2026 15:25:34 +0530 DePuy Synthes, a global leader in orthopaedic technologies and solutions, has announced a new initiative with the Department of Orthopedics at Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore to create a specialised Orthopaedic Skill Lab at the college. The strategic partnership was extended with the aim of facilitating procedural simulation, instrumentation training, and increasing awareness of technology-assisted surgery for orthopaedic residents, fellows, and faculty. The lab provides residents and fellows with a structured introduction to modern orthopaedic tools, implant management, and surgical processes through saw-bone practice, faculty-led case discussions, and a gradual introduction to technology-assisted techniques, developing essential skills prior to or alongside live surgeries. Tamil Nadu hosts 78 medical colleges, making it one of India's largest hubs for medical training. As orthopaedic care advances towards greater specialisation and incorporates new technologies, South India's high concentration of institutions positions it to excel in practical, hands-on surgical education. The planned skill lab at CMC Vellore aims to establish a lasting, practice-focused training infrastructure for the region.   Photo Caption (L-R): Vishnu Kalra, International President, DePuy Synthes and Dr Anil Thomas Oommen, Professor & Head of the Department, Christian Medical College, Vellore    ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28316/dr-v-mohan-receives-dr-a-p-j-abdul-kalam-award-by-government-of-tamil-nadu.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28316/dr-v-mohan-receives-dr-a-p-j-abdul-kalam-award-by-government-of-tamil-nadu.html Sat, 15 Aug 2026 12:37:00 +0530 Dr V Mohan, Chairman of Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre and Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) has been conferred the prestigious Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award 2026 by the Government of Tamil Nadu recognising his outstanding contributions to scientific advancement, healthcare, diabetes research and public health. On behalf of Dr V. Mohan, the award was received by his daughter, Dr R. M. Anjana, Managing Director of Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre and President of the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation. The award was presented by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru C. Joseph Vijay, in the presence of distinguished dignitaries. The Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award, instituted by the Government of Tamil Nadu in honour of former President of India and eminent scientist Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of science, humanities and the welfare of students. The award is presented during the Independence Day celebrations of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Dr V Mohan is the first medical doctor to receive the Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award, marking a significant milestone in the history of this prestigious state honour. For more than five decades, Dr V Mohan has dedicated his career to advancing diabetes care, research and education in India and globally. His work has contributed significantly to understanding diabetes in Indian populations, its complications, genetics, nutrition and prevention, while also strengthening diabetes research and healthcare delivery. Dr V Mohan has more than 1,900 scientific publications which have attracted over 257,000 citations with a h-index of 176 and an i10-index of 1,268. His extensive research has helped place Indian diabetes research on the global scientific map. Dr V Mohan has also been consistently recognised among the world’s top 2% of scientists in rankings based on Stanford University, Elsevier and SciTech Strategies and has been recognised as one of India's leading medical scientists. Dr V Mohan has received numerous national and international honours, including the Padma Shri from Government of India, the Dr B.C. Roy National Award from the Medical Council of India and several recognitions for his contributions to diabetes research, education and patient care.   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28322/tamil-nadu-govt-inks-mous-worth-over-rs-67000-cr-at-investors-conclave-2026.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28322/tamil-nadu-govt-inks-mous-worth-over-rs-67000-cr-at-investors-conclave-2026.html Sat, 15 Aug 2026 22:22:40 +0530 In the presence of Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru C. Joseph Vijay, the Vettri Tamil Nadu Investment Conclave was held in Chennai on 13 august, marking a significant milestone in Tamil Nadu’s investment and employment journey. A total of 97 MoUs were signed, attracting Rs 67,452 crore in investments and creating 1,06,998 employment opportunities. Foundation stones were laid for 8 projects worth Rs 4,476 crore, generating 5,074 jobs, while 5 projects involving Rs 2,676 crore investment and 1,550 jobs were inaugurated. Within the life sciences sector, Trivitron Healthcare announced its Rs 200 crore brownfield expansion, creating approximately 200 direct employment opportunities and strengthening capabilities across Molecular Diagnostics, Intensive Care and Dialysis. Caplin Point Laboratories has signed an MoU for an investment of Rs 925 crore towards establishing four new pharmaceutical manufacturing units in Tamil Nadu, including a Biologics & Biosimilars and Hormone injectables unit. Green Signal Bio Pharma has announced an investment of Rs 130 crore, with 120 new job opportunities, focusing on vaccine manufacturing. Genrobotics has marked a new milestone signing an MoU with the Government of Tamil Nadu for a Rs 150 crore investment over the next five years to establish a high-end robotics manufacturing base, create 1,000+ jobs, and position Tamil Nadu as a global manufacturing and export hub for their robotics solutions. CellBios Healthcare & LifeSciences has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish greenfield manufacturing units for cell & gene therapy based products in Dindigul and Krishnagiri, with an investment of Rs 150 crore, creating 250 new jobs. AcrannoLife Genomics has announced an investment of Rs 210 crore, offering 210 new jobs for the development of molecular diagnostics equipment, genomics and precision medicine KP Manish Global Ingredients has announced an investment of Rs 600 crore, with 400 new jobs opportunities, focusing on the development of API and pharma excipients. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28192/aravind-eye-care-and-alcon-open-global-centre-for-retina-training-in-coimbatore.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28192/aravind-eye-care-and-alcon-open-global-centre-for-retina-training-in-coimbatore.html Fri, 24 Jul 2026 22:06:10 +0530 Aravind Eye Care System and Alcon, a global leader in eye care, have announced the opening of the Aravind Alcon Global Centre of Excellence for Vitreoretinal Surgery Training in Coimbatore. Following the successful launch of the Global Cataract Centre of Excellence in 2024, this new centre represents the second phase of the partnership between Aravind and Alcon to address one of the most important gaps in global eye care: access to retina training. This specialised vitreoretinal centre will strengthen surgical capacity by training ophthalmologists with advanced retinal training and expanding access to quality eye care in under-resourced regions. Integrated into the Aravind Eye Care System, the Centre is designed as a global training centre that combines hands-on surgical training with scalable virtual education, focusing on hands-on surgical capability and long-term capacity building. The Centre also has a state-of-the-art wet laboratory for vitreoretinal formation and will initially train approximately 60 participants per year, also expanding its reach through virtual scholarship programmes. The new Centre will boost vitreoretinal training, strengthening surgical capabilities and improving access to retinal care in regions where specialised retinal services are scarce. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28198/eplane-company-inks-mou-with-apollo-hospitals-to-deploy-electric-air-ambulances-and-medical-delivery-drones.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28198/eplane-company-inks-mou-with-apollo-hospitals-to-deploy-electric-air-ambulances-and-medical-delivery-drones.html Fri, 24 Jul 2026 23:56:27 +0530 Chennai-based startup Ubifly Technologies (The ePlane Company) and Apollo Hospitals have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bring electric air ambulances and medical delivery drones into India's emergency healthcare system, connecting emergency patients across high-density urban corridors and remote access areas directly to the trauma care they need, without the delays of urban traffic or the expense of traditional helicopter transfers. For trauma, cardiac, and stroke patients, the first hour after an emergency often determines the difference between recovery and tragedy. Yet today, patients frequently lose that hour to traffic, distance, and the need to stabilise at any nearby facility before being moved again to specialised trauma care, thereby losing precious time. This collaboration is designed to change that with a faster, more direct path from the point of emergency to definitive care. ePlane's e200X aircraft is designed for rapid inter-hospital transfers, trauma response, cardiac and stroke emergencies, and organ transport, moving patients up to 7 times faster than road transport - at a fraction of the cost of a traditional helicopter transfer. Through its subsidiary Amber Wings, ePlane's unmanned aerial vehicles are designed to rapidly move blood products, organs, vaccines, medicines, and diagnostic samples between facilities - cutting critical delivery times from hours to minutes. As part of the collaboration, Apollo has indicated its intent to examine the possibility for orders for e200x air ambulances and Amber Wings' medical delivery drones. The MoU also outlines the possibility of a future strategic investment by Apollo in ePlane, subject to future agreement on terms. Both parties intend to work with India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation and other relevant authorities to help bring this vision to life, alongside continued discussions on infrastructure needed to support these operations. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28163/india-launches-first-computational-lab-for-quantitative-sciences-to-advance-ai-in-drug-development.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28163/india-launches-first-computational-lab-for-quantitative-sciences-to-advance-ai-in-drug-development.html Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:19:12 +0530 Dr. Ramalingam Sankaran Computational Lab for Quantitative Sciences was recently inaugurated at PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (PSGIMSR) in Coimbatore. Developed through a collaboration between US-based PumasAI, the Society of Pharmacometrics and Health Analytics Sciences (SOPHAS), and PSGIMSR, the new state-of-the-art facility represents a significant investment in India's growing scientific ecosystem and is expected to become a leading center for artificial intelligence (AI), healthcare data analytics, pharmacometrics, and model-informed drug development (MIDD). Powered by a high-performance computing cluster, the laboratory gives students, researchers, and healthcare professionals access to advanced computational resources that support AI-driven drug discovery, predictive health modeling, real-world evidence generation, and quantitative sciences. The facility will support research across clinical pharmacology, pharmacometrics, machine learning, and healthcare analytics. Students and researchers will participate in live research projects, industry collaborations, and translational research initiatives. Participants will gain hands-on experience applying AI to drug development, clinical data modeling, pharmacometric simulations, and population health analytics alongside experts from academia and industry. The initiative also strengthens the educational foundation of SOPHAS' AI in Drug Development programme by providing students with dedicated computational infrastructure designed to support advanced scientific research. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28121/cmc-vellore-iiit-h-develop-multilingual-ai-companion-for-cancer-patients.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28121/cmc-vellore-iiit-h-develop-multilingual-ai-companion-for-cancer-patients.html Tue, 14 Jul 2026 19:18:23 +0530 A multi-partner consortium led by Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore, in collaboration with IIIT Hyderabad’s Language Technologies Research Centre (LTRC), is developing BandhuCare – a multilingual AI companion that answers patients’ queries in their own language, captures their symptoms through natural conversations, and helps clinicians understand what happens between hospital visits.  Unlike consumer AI assistants that answer virtually anything, BandhuCare emerged after years of working closely with oncology patients and understanding where healthcare delivery quietly breaks down, not during diagnosis or treatment, but between hospital visits. The consortium brings together clinical expertise from CMC Vellore, AI and language technologies from IIIT-H’s Language Technologies Research Centre, startup partner Revan AI, AIIMS Guwahati as an external clinical collaborator, and patient advocacy organisation, PatientsEngage that ensures patient voices remain central to development. The next phase, which is the pilot study on real cancer patients and specifically head and neck cancer patients, is perhaps the most important. At CMC Vellore, head and neck cancers constitute one of the largest cancer burdens, giving clinicians deep expertise and years of experience in understanding not just the disease, but the long-term challenges patients face after treatment. Supported by the National Cancer Grid and MeitY’s India AI initiative, BandhuCare has reached Technology Readiness Level 5, with ethics approvals in place for clinical pilot studies involving patients. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28072/dr-shreevarmas-wellness-partners-with-srm-institute-of-science-and-technology.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/28072/dr-shreevarmas-wellness-partners-with-srm-institute-of-science-and-technology.html Mon, 06 Jul 2026 10:02:06 +0530 Reinforcing its commitment to transforming Ayurveda into a globally accepted evidence-based healthcare system, Chennai-based Dr. SHREEVARMA's Wellness has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) to collaborate on scientific research, education, innovation, and product development in Ayurveda, phytomedicine, preventive healthcare, and integrative medicine. The partnership marks a significant milestone in Dr. SHREEVARMA's Vision 2030, a long-term mission to build an integrated healthcare ecosystem where traditional wisdom is strengthened through modern science, innovation, education, entrepreneurship, and community wellness. The collaboration will be spearheaded by the Interdisciplinary Institute of Indian System of Medicine (IIISM) under the Directorate of Research at SRMIST, bringing together academic excellence and clinical expertise to generate globally relevant scientific evidence for Ayurveda. Under the partnership, Dr. SHREEVARMA's Wellness and SRMIST will jointly undertake multidisciplinary research in scientific validation of Ayurvedic formulations, phytochemical and analytical research, herbal drug standardisation, product innovation and formulation development, clinical pharmacology, lifestyle medicine, preventive healthcare, healthy ageing and longevity, integrative healthcare models, and clinical documentation for evidence generation.The collaboration will also create opportunities for student internships, doctoral and post-doctoral research, faculty development, professional education, skill development programmes, and industry-academia knowledge exchange, enabling research outcomes to translate into practical healthcare solutions. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27992/lubrizol-and-polyhose-inaugurate-advanced-medical-tubing-facility-in-chennai.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27992/lubrizol-and-polyhose-inaugurate-advanced-medical-tubing-facility-in-chennai.html Fri, 19 Jun 2026 19:44:52 +0530 Lubrizol, a global specialty chemicals leader, and Polyhose, a leading manufacturer in fluid conveyance systems, have inaugurated a new medical manufacturing site in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The facility will manufacture precision extruded medical tubing for minimally invasive devices, supporting India’s rapidly growing medical technology and healthcare sectors. Designed as a world-class operation, the ISO13485 facility provides customers with a reliable source of high-quality medical tubing, backed by dedicated quality control and the same rigorous standards applied across Lubrizol’s global manufacturing network. This investment strengthens Lubrizol’s ability to serve customers in India and across global markets. Operations focus on delivering precision extruded tubing from a wide range of high-performance materials, including polyamides, nylon, Pebax®, polypropylene, polyethylene, and Lubrizol’s medical grade thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Abhishek Shrivastava, Managing Director, Lubrizol IMEA said, "India is a strategic growth market for Lubrizol and a key hub for our investments in manufacturing, R&D and technical services. This medical manufacturing site in Chennai is another step in building a stronger local ecosystem for high-value, technology-driven products. By working closely with Polyhose and regional stakeholders, we aim to support innovation, create high-skilled jobs and enable India to become a more significant contributor to the global medical device supply chain." The new site is set to expand India’s capacity for precision extruded medical tubing, contributing to the country’s focus on building domestic medical device manufacturing capabilities, reducing reliance on imports, and enhancing patient access to high-quality, safe product. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27954/iit-madras-releases-worlds-most-detailed-3d-atlas-of-human-brainstem-at-cell-resolution.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27954/iit-madras-releases-worlds-most-detailed-3d-atlas-of-human-brainstem-at-cell-resolution.html Sat, 13 Jun 2026 13:33:51 +0530 Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) has released the world’s most detailed 3D Atlas of human brainstem, through its high throughput brain imaging and computing platform that transforms whole human brains into 3D cell-resolution atlases. Developed by Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre (SGBC) at IIT Madras, ‘ANCHOR’ (Atlas of Neurochemical Characterisation of the human brainstem with 3D Reconstruction) comprises the most comprehensive, multi-modal, 3D maps and atlases of the human brainstem to date spanning from prenatal period to childhood and adult brains. These maps encompass more than 200 brainstem nuclei and fiber tracts, reconstructed from hundreds of serial sections. To resolve distinct neurochemical cell types, eight complementary immunostains were overlaid across more than 500 sections, enabling detailed mapping. SGBC aims to build the most comprehensive set of cell resolution human brain maps across life span and diseases. This Centre has become a truly global interdisciplinary team featuring more than 200 researchers, engineers and technicians working with 20 collaborators from different countries. ANCHOR was released during the 3rd BRICS Neuroscience Symposium 2026 held from 5th to 7th June 2026 at the IIT Madras campus.     ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27909/dst-supports-bioneemtec-india-for-commercialisation-of-green-chemistry-based-pharma-manufacturing-technologies.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27909/dst-supports-bioneemtec-india-for-commercialisation-of-green-chemistry-based-pharma-manufacturing-technologies.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 19:05:00 +0530 The Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, has extended support to Bioneemtec India, based in Chennai, for the project titled “Manufacturing of Minoxidil, Tranexamic Acid, Dequalinium Chloride, their Intermediates and Drug Liposomes.” The project seeks to commercialise indigenous green chemistry technologies for the production of critical pharmaceutical ingredients and advanced drug delivery systems, contributing to import substitution, sustainable manufacturing, and healthcare security. The project focuses on establishing advanced manufacturing capabilities for pharmaceutical intermediates, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), and novel drug delivery systems through a combination of batch and continuous-flow chemistry technologies. By adopting modern process technologies, the initiative aims to improve production efficiency, product quality, operational safety, and environmental sustainability while reducing dependence on imported pharmaceutical intermediates. A key component of the project is the commercialisation of an indigenous process for manufacturing Tranexamic Acid, an important therapeutic molecule used in the management of bleeding disorders. Developed using a cost-effective and environmentally responsible synthesis route, the technology is designed to deliver high-purity products while minimizing waste generation and process complexity. The project will also support the domestic production of Minoxidil and Dequalinium Chloride along with their key intermediates, strengthening local manufacturing capabilities in pharmaceutical value chains that presently depend substantially on imports. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27877/iit-m-develops-injectable-hydrogel-to-replace-weeks-of-daily-medication-for-fibrosis-patients.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27877/iit-m-develops-injectable-hydrogel-to-replace-weeks-of-daily-medication-for-fibrosis-patients.html Fri, 29 May 2026 13:19:45 +0530 Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) has developed an injectable hydrogel that could transform the treatment of fibrosis and other chronic degenerative conditions by replacing weeks of repeated medication with a single localised dose. The researchers estimate that treatment could possibly reduce therapy costs from approximately $2,000–3,000 per course to around $300, potentially making advanced fibrosis care more affordable and accessible. Developed at the Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras, the innovation is designed to deliver antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory drugs directly at the affected site in a sustained and controlled manner. A key differentiator of this patented technology is its use of combination of naturally derived biomaterials obtained from silk cocoons and seaweed. These materials are biodegradable, biocompatible, and aligned with India’s strengths in sericulture and its emerging seaweed-based bioeconomy. The hydrogel combines therapeutic delivery with tissue healing support, creating a favourable environment for healthy cell growth while reducing inflammation and fibrosis. The hydrogel also responds to disease-related inflammation, releasing higher doses when needed while gradually degrading without leaving any harmful residue. Furthermore, the research team has performed a first-of-its-kind omics study to prove that these smart-tuned hydrogels inhibit the progression of fibrosis by regulating the mechanical properties and metabolism of the cells. Elaborating on the need for such research, Prof. Vignesh Muthuvijayan, Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras, said, “Fibroproliferative diseases, including pulmonary, liver, kidney and muscle fibrosis, are linked to nearly 45% of deaths globally. Existing treatments often require prolonged drug administration, can cause significant side effects and are frequently unable to stop disease progression effectively at the targeted site.”   Follow-up studies conducted in collaboration with the University of California, San Diego have also demonstrated efficacy across multiple disease models, particularly in aged muscle tissue. The preliminary study shows that hydrogel has potential in treating sarcopenia, an age-related loss of muscle mass and strength that affects an estimated 10 to 16 per cent of the global elderly population and currently has no approved pharmacological treatment. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27860/nura-expands-south-india-presence-with-launch-of-preventive-health-screening-centre-in-chennai.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27860/nura-expands-south-india-presence-with-launch-of-preventive-health-screening-centre-in-chennai.html Wed, 27 May 2026 18:08:33 +0530 NURA, an advanced diagnostic venture between Fujifilm Healthcare and Dr Kutty’s Healthcare, has expanded its footprint in South India with the launch of its preventive health screening centre in Chennai. Located in Egmore, the facility marks NURA’s sixth centre in India and reflects the company’s continued focus on expanding access to advanced preventive healthcare and early disease detection services. The Chennai launch marks an important milestone in NURA’s India expansion journey. Designed to offer AI-enabled full-body health screenings, the Chennai facility integrates advanced imaging and diagnostic technologies to support faster detection of diseases at early stages. The centre has the capacity to screen up to 40 guests per day. Following the Chennai launch, NURA continues to pursue an ambitious expansion roadmap focused on strengthening its presence across Tier 1, Tier 2, and emerging urban areas in India. Internationally, the company is also exploring opportunities across Middle East and Africa,  South Asia, ASEAN as part of its larger vision to establish a strong and accessible global preventive healthcare network. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27818/archimedis-digital-strengthens-focus-on-advanced-ai-led-innovation-with-2-m-investment.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27818/archimedis-digital-strengthens-focus-on-advanced-ai-led-innovation-with-2-m-investment.html Thu, 14 May 2026 20:15:46 +0530 Chennai-based Archimedis Digital, a life sciences-focused technology company, is strengthening its focus on advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-led innovation with a committed investment of $2 million. These investments are directed at accelerating AI-first scientific solutions and products, including but not limited to histopathology and cancer diagnosis. The investment aligns with the growing demand for intelligent systems that can improve speed, accuracy, and predictability across the life sciences value chain. As part of this broader push, Archimedis Digital is deepening its engagement with industry and academic ecosystems to expand its innovation capabilities. The company’s association with NVIDIA’s startup ecosystem reflects its alignment with advanced AI infrastructure and development frameworks, enabling it to build and scale solutions more effectively for enterprise use cases. This comes at a time when Archimedis Digital is already part of the Stanford Seed Transformation Programme, a highly selective initiative designed to support high-potential startups in emerging economies, positioning the company to align its AI investments and strategic partnerships with its long-term growth roadmap. Through this engagement, the company is enabling itself to scale sustainably while accelerating innovation across its core focus areas, in line with its broader strategic growth plans. Archimedis Digital is advancing its life sciences strategy through a strong focus on AI-led cancer diagnosis and its ConnectX integration, with added momentum from its collaboration with NVIDIA. ConnectX addresses the industry’s “connectivity gap” by unifying fragmented systems such as ERP, QMS, LIMS, and legacy infrastructure into a seamless, non-disruptive digital layer using custom IoT and AI, creating a real-time data backbone for predictive insights and optimized operations. Furthermore, Archimedis Digital’s active investement into AI-led cancer diagnosis capabilities enable faster and more precise analysis of complex molecular and diagnostic data, accelerating early detection and research timelines. The integration of ConnectX with advanced AI infrastructure further strengthens scalability and performance, positioning the company to deliver high-impact, compliant innovation across diagnosis, discovery, and manufacturing.   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27813/wfns-partners-with-time-medical-ventures-to-drive-innovation-in-neurosurgery.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27813/wfns-partners-with-time-medical-ventures-to-drive-innovation-in-neurosurgery.html Wed, 13 May 2026 22:56:51 +0530 For the first time in its history, the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) Innovation & Technology Committee has formally welcomed an industry partner into its innovation ecosystem, reflecting the growing importance of collaboration between neurosurgical leadership and advanced medical technology providers. The partnership aims to accelerate the development and dissemination of cutting-edge neurosurgical technologies, support global training and capacity-building initiatives, and facilitate meaningful collaboration between clinicians and industry innovators to improve patient outcomes worldwide. Chennai-based startup Time Medical International Ventures has been recognised for its contributions in advanced medical imaging and neurosurgical technologies, including single-room intraoperative MRI operation suites, Exoscope and visualisation technologies, and specialised MRI solutions for brain aneurysm and ICAD screening. The association is expected to create a strong platform for innovation-driven advancements in neurosurgery and neuroimaging. Commenting on the partnership, Prof. Dr Iype Cherian, Chairperson of the WFNS Innovation & Technology Committee, said, “This collaboration will help champion the development and global dissemination of cutting-edge neurosurgical solutions, facilitate knowledge exchange between leading neurosurgeons and industry experts, and support training and technology transfer initiatives in emerging markets. We believe this partnership will set a new benchmark for industry collaboration within global neurosurgical governance.”  Speaking on the association, Svetlana Rao, Director of Time Medical International Ventures said,“As a wholly owned subsidiary of Fischer Medical Ventures Limited, we remain committed to supporting transformative healthcare solutions that improve accessibility, precision, and patient outcomes across diverse healthcare systems.”   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27796/healthquad-invests-in-lifesigns-to-advance-ai-led-predictive-patient-monitoring.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27796/healthquad-invests-in-lifesigns-to-advance-ai-led-predictive-patient-monitoring.html Tue, 12 May 2026 14:27:00 +0530 HealthQuad, the growth venture arm of Quadria Group focused on backing new-age healthcare models, has announced its latest investment in LifeSigns, India’s leading artificial intelligence (AI) powered remote patient monitoring platform. Chennai-based startup LifeSigns is using AI to build a new layer of care that detects early signs of deterioration, enables timely clinical decisions, and ultimately saves lives.With deployment across tier 2 cities, an occupancy-based frugal pricing model and easy-to-scale solution, LifeSigns is driving access to high-quality healthcare where it is most needed.    For HealthQuad, this represents a high conviction investment in the next wave of healthcare innovation, where AI delivers measurable clinical impact at scale. As LifeSigns’ first institutional investor, HealthQuad brings more than just capital. Backed by Quadria’s global healthcare ecosystem, the partnership will focus on two key priorities for LifeSigns: international expansion across Southeast Asia and the GCC and strengthening its AI-led technology stack through selective integrations. The global remote patient monitoring devices market stands at $26 billion in 2025 as health systems globally are shifting from episodic care toward continuous, decentralised monitoring. LifeSigns has developed an integrated, US-FDA approved continuous monitoring platform that integrates a medical grade wearable, cloud dashboard, and predictive AI engine. It operates across the care continuum, from ambulances and emergency rooms to ICUs, wards, and home care. The platform tracks key vitals including ECG, heart rate, respiration, temperature, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. Its AI engine can detect early signs of deterioration up to 26 hours in advance and flag critical risk within a four-hour window, enabling timely intervention. Across more than 50 leading hospitals in India, LifeSigns has delivered over 87,000 life-saving alerts, reduced code blue incidents by nearly 90 percent, and lowered ICU readmissions by close to 78 percent. Its central monitoring command center enables scalable remote surveillance and helps address structural challenges. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27589/madras-diabetes-research-foundation-partners-with-premas-life-sciences-to-strengthen-genomics-and-multi-omics-capabilities.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27589/madras-diabetes-research-foundation-partners-with-premas-life-sciences-to-strengthen-genomics-and-multi-omics-capabilities.html Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530 The Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), Chennai, a leading institution in diabetes research and metabolic disorders, has entered into a strategic collaboration with Premas Life Sciences (PLS) to advance genomics and multi-omics research in India. This partnership aims to accelerate scientific discovery and enable deeper insights into chronic diseases like diabetes through integrated omics approaches. Through this collaboration, MDRF will leverage Illumina’s advanced sequencing technologies along with Premas Life Sciences’ expertise in implementation and support to enhance its research capabilities. The initiative is focused on enabling high-quality genomics workflows, strengthening translational research, and driving innovation in precision medicine. A key aspect of this partnership is the collaborative development of research workflows, assays and applications, designed to address India-specific disease burdens, particularly in diabetes and related metabolic conditions. By integrating genomics with other omics, the collaboration aims to generate comprehensive datasets that can lead to more informed research outcomes. The partnership also emphasises skilling and training initiatives, with plans to conduct workshops, hands-on training programs, and knowledge-sharing sessions for researchers, clinicians, and students. These efforts will help build capabilities in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and data interpretation. The MoU between MDRF and Premas also includes Premas supporting and facilitating strategic industry–academia partnerships for MDRF with relevant collaborators. In addition, both institutions will work together on scientific outreach and awareness initiatives, engaging with the broader scientific and medical community to promote the adoption of genomics in research and healthcare. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27565/neuberg-announces-launch-of-blood-test-for-early-alzheimers-detection-in-chennai.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27565/neuberg-announces-launch-of-blood-test-for-early-alzheimers-detection-in-chennai.html Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530 As India’s healthcare landscape evolves with cutting-edge diagnostic solutions, Chennai is set to witness a transformative development in Alzheimer’s screening. The Mispa i60, introduced at Neuberg Diagnostics, Chennai, offers a simple blood test to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease using only a blood sample, making it a non-invasive and cost-effective screening option. This test serves as an adjunct to clinical evaluation and does not replace neuroimaging or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing. This technology leverages p-tau and amyloid proteins, which are strongly associated with Alzheimer’s disease, enabling the detection of early pathological changes well before noticeable cognitive decline begins. Early identification can significantly enhance treatment planning and help clinicians distinguish Alzheimer’s disease from other forms of dementia that present with similar symptoms. “Alzheimer's disease shares overlapping clinical features with other types of dementia, making diagnosis challenging. Studies have shown that a proportion of clinically diagnosed Alzheimer’s cases reveal non-Alzheimer’s pathology upon autopsy, further emphasizing the importance of accurate biomarker testing,” says Dr Asma Bibi, Chief of Laboratory, Neuberg Diagnostics. “This blood test can help differentiate Alzheimer’s from other dementia syndromes, ensuring that patients receive the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment. We are excited about the possibilities this test brings for both clinicians and patients.” Among patients who underwent this test at Neuberg’s OMR centre in Chennai, 45% were found to have an elevated tau-to-amyloid ratio, suggestive of underlying Alzheimer’s pathology. These findings were further supported through neurologist assessment and clinical evaluation. This outcome highlights the test's high concordance with traditional diagnostic methods while offering a faster and non-invasive alternative. With Alzheimer’s disease affecting a significant proportion of the global population, early detection is critical for effective treatment and management. Innovations like these are poised to bring more timely and accurate Alzheimer’s screening to both urban and regional settings, enabling early intervention for patients across Tamil Nadu.   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27493/acrannolife-genomics-receives-govt-support-for-indigenous-manufacturing-of-advanced-ivd-diagnostic-kits.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27493/acrannolife-genomics-receives-govt-support-for-indigenous-manufacturing-of-advanced-ivd-diagnostic-kits.html Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530 The Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, has extended financial assistance to Acrannolife Genomics, Chennai for the project titled “Indigenising IVD Innovation: Establishing a State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facility to Drive Scalable and Sustainable Growth of Trunome GrafAssure IVD Kits and TBFYND IVD Kits.” The project focuses on establishing an advanced manufacturing facility to support the large-scale production and deployment of indigenous in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) solutions developed by the company. Acrannolife Genomics is engaged in developing innovative non-invasive diagnostic technologies based on cell-free DNA and LAMP technology platforms, addressing critical healthcare needs such as infectious diseases and transplant diagnostics. Through this project, the company will establish a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at the Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation Limited (TANSIDCO) Industrial Estate to scale up production of two key diagnostic products—Trunome GrafAssure and TBFYND. The company’s flagship product, Trunome GrafAssure, is a laboratory-developed blood test designed for the early detection of post-transplant organ rejection and infection in patients who have undergone solid-organ transplants.  The second product, TBFYND, is designed to address the urgent need for rapid and accurate detection of tuberculosis, one of the most significant public health challenges in India. With support from TDB, the project will enable the creation of a dedicated platform facility for manufacturing these IVD kits at scale, strengthening India’s domestic capabilities in molecular diagnostics and reducing dependence on imported diagnostic technologies. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27485/fujifilm-strengthens-advanced-diagnostic-infrastructure-in-tamil-nadu.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27485/fujifilm-strengthens-advanced-diagnostic-infrastructure-in-tamil-nadu.html Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530 Fujifilm India has announced the installation of a comprehensive suite of advanced diagnostic and medical equipment at Porunai Hospitals, Tirunelveli, further strengthening the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities and reinforcing the role of technology in expanding access to quality healthcare in South India. The installation includes CT System Supria 32, Amulet Innovality Mammography which includes the state-of-the-art features available globally, FDR Smart F – 40 kW Digital Radiography, Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD), along with EP 6000 Endoscopy video processor with Multi-LED light source and Dry Chemistry analyser DRI-CHEM NX 600, enabling Porunai Hospitals to enhance its diagnostic ecosystem across multiple clinical domains. At the centre of this deployment is the Supria 32 CT system, a 32-slice CT platform designed to deliver high-resolution imaging with optimized radiation dose and efficient workflows across routine and advanced diagnostics.  The installation marks the first deployment of the Supria 32 CT system in Tamil Nadu, reflecting Porunai Hospitals’ commitment to adopting advanced imaging technologies to support accurate diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.  Complementing the CT platform is the FDR Smart F digital radiography system, which enables high-quality imaging with fast acquisition speeds and dose-optimized performance across a wide range of radiography applications. Designed to support high-throughput clinical environments, the system enhances operational efficiency while ensuring reliable diagnostic performance for everyday clinical needs. The deployment also includes the Amulet Innovality mammography system, a digital mammography platform equipped with advanced detector technology and low-dose imaging capabilities. As the first installation of its kind in South Tamil Nadu, the system strengthens women’s healthcare services in the region by supporting early and accurate breast cancer detection through advanced imaging technology.  Further strengthening preventive diagnostic capabilities, an advanced Bone Mineral Densitometry (BMD) system has also been installed, enabling precise assessment of bone health and early detection of osteoporosis. This installation marks the first advanced BMD system in South Tamil Nadu, expanding access to specialized diagnostics and preventive screening in the region.  In addition to imaging technologies, the deployment also includes EP 6000 Endoscopy video processor with Multi-LED light source and Dry Chemistry analyser DRI-CHEM NX 600, helping Porunai Hospitals strengthen its diagnostic ecosystem across multiple clinical domains, including gastroenterology, pathology, and preventive screening.     ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27465/tamil-nadu-releases-biovision-2026-to-shape-future-of-bioeconomy.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27465/tamil-nadu-releases-biovision-2026-to-shape-future-of-bioeconomy.html Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530 Tamil Nadu BioVision 2026 report was released by MK Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The report was prepared by Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE) for the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission, Government of Tamil Nadu highlighting the state’s potential to emerge as a nationally and globally competitive bieconomy hub. Tamil Nadu accounts for over 10% ($9.8 Billion in 2025) of India’s BioIndustrial value. This reflects the State’s manufacturing maturity in biofuels, use of industrial enzymes, fermentation products, and bio-based materials. Hosting major pharmaceutical facilities and a mature medical devices ecosystem, Tamil Nadu captures approximately 2% ($1.3 billion in 2025) of national BioPharma value. This indicates substantial room for expansion, particularly in high value biologics and advanced therapeutics. Tamil Nadu’s BioEconomy has entered a phase of accelerated expansion, growing from $7.7 billion in 2023 to an estimated $12.4 billion by the end of 2025—representing approximately 61% growth over this period and significantly outpacing the national expansion rate. This trajectory positions Tamil Nadu as one of India’s fastest-growing BioEconomy ecosystems, with the State now contributing approximately 6.4% of India’s estimated $195 billion BioEconomy (2025), up from 5.1% in 2023. If current expansion patterns are sustained, Tamil Nadu could plausibly approach a $25–30 billion BioEconomy by 2030, potentially contributing 8–10% of India’s projected national value. “With a BioEconomy that has grown to an estimated $12.4 billion by 2025, the State has already begun integrating biological innovation across manufacturing systems, healthcare ecosystems, and knowledge-driven services. The question before us is therefore not whether the BioEconomy will shape Tamil Nadu’s future, but how decisively we can harness it to advance inclusive and future-ready development”, said Dr J. Jeyaranjan, Executive Vice-Chairman, State Planning Commission, Tamil Nadu ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27458/tata-power-signs-mou-with-tamil-nadu-to-institutionalise-neurodiversity-inclusion-across-public-systems.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27458/tata-power-signs-mou-with-tamil-nadu-to-institutionalise-neurodiversity-inclusion-across-public-systems.html Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530 In a decisive step toward building structured and scalable neurodiversity inclusion systems, Tata Power Community Development Trust (TPCDT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Commissionerate for Welfare of the Differently Abled (CWDA), Government of Tamil Nadu. The partnership will strengthen the Tamil Nadu Rights (TN RIGHTS) programme under Tata Power’s flagship initiative Pay Autention. The collaboration is designed to build an integrated ecosystem that strengthens frontline capacity, enhances service delivery through technology-enabled systems, and exposure for industry-aligned livelihood pathways for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Over the next three years, the initiative will focus on structured training, community-based neurodiversity care models, and scalable interventions across districts in Tamil Nadu. The MoU was signed by M. Lakshmi, IAS, State Commissioner for Welfare of the Differently Abled, Government of Tamil Nadu, and Himal Tewari, CHRO and Chief Sustainability Officer, Tata Power and Chairperson, Tata Power Community Development Trust, in the presence of senior leadership from both institutions. As part of the partnership, TPCDT will strengthen programme architecture, develop an open-source LMS, structured training modules, conduct Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes, integrate technology-enabled solutions, home-based care models, while also creating industry-aligned volunteering ecosystems that offer wider exposure and essential life skills within the TN RIGHTS framework. The initiative will also pilot community-based neurodiversity care models and structured home-based therapy support, creating systems that can be institutionalised within government delivery mechanisms.   Through its flagship Pay Autention initiative, Tata Power Community Development Trust continues to build structured ecosystems that advance dignity, life skills development, and social participation for neurodiverse individuals creating measurable and sustainable impact across communities.   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27435/dr-mohans-diabetes-specialities-centre-launches-genomic-lifestyle-counselling.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27435/dr-mohans-diabetes-specialities-centre-launches-genomic-lifestyle-counselling.html Sat, 07 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530 Chennai-based Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre has announced the launch of its Genomic Lifestyle Counselling (GLC) programme, a pioneering initiative designed to integrate genetic insights with personalised lifestyle interventions for the prevention and management of metabolic diseases. Speaking at the launch, Dr V. Mohan, Chairman emphasised that healthcare is rapidly transitioning from a generalised approach to precision-based care. He stated that genomic science now enables clinicians to understand individual susceptibility to conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. By leveraging genetic profiling, interventions can be tailored with greater accuracy, improving outcomes and long-term disease prevention. Dr R. M. Anjana, Managing Director elaborated on the scientific framework of the GLC programme. She explained that the model combines genomic risk assessment with structured lifestyle modification plans, including diet optimisation, physical activity recommendations, and behavioural guidance. The goal is to provide patients with actionable, evidence-based strategies aligned with their genetic predispositions. Dr Anjana noted that this approach strengthens early risk identification and empowers individuals to make informed decisions to delay or prevent the onset of metabolic disorders. Dr Geeta Dharmatti, Nutrigenomic Counsellor detailed the practical implementation of GLC. She explained how nutrigenomics enables customised dietary planning based on gene–nutrient interactions, ensuring that nutrition advice is scientifically aligned with an individual’s metabolic profile. The program also integrates continuous counselling support to enhance adherence and measurable health outcomes. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27283/iit-madras-releases-first-of-its-kind-genome-database-to-transform-cancer-research-in-india.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27283/iit-madras-releases-first-of-its-kind-genome-database-to-transform-cancer-research-in-india.html Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0530 Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, announced the Indian cancer (leukaemia, colorectal and pancreatic) genome sequence generation and released at the campus on 4th Feb 2026). The institute has made this database publicly accessible at bcga.iitm.ac.in to researchers and clinicians in India and abroad. Elaborating on this initiative, Project Coordinator Prof. S. Mahalingam, Head, Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics and the Hyundai Centre for Cancer Genomics, IIT Madras, said, “This database will be an invaluable resource to identify cancer-specific biomarkers in India, which will enable early detection of leukaemia, colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Additionally, it will facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic targets to support the design of more effective, population-specific treatment strategies for India.” The Bharat Cancer Genome Grid (BCG2) is a clinician-centric national initiative designed to accelerate the responsible adoption of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) in routine oncology practice in India. Conceived as a functional and clinical adjunct to the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA), BCG2 aims to bridge the critical gap between large-scale cancer genome data generation and its meaningful application at the patient bedside. The research was led by the Institute’s Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics, which was funded under the Government of India’s ‘Institutions of Eminence’ initiative and Hyundai Centre for Cancer Genomics with a support of Rs 56 crore by Hyundai Motors India Foundation. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27228/lubrizol-plans-expansion-of-medical-device-manufacturing-capabilities-in-chennai.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27228/lubrizol-plans-expansion-of-medical-device-manufacturing-capabilities-in-chennai.html Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0530 As part of its global expansion, Lubrizol, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is introducing new contract manufacturing capabilities in India, including a state-of-the-art medical manufacturing site in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, scheduled to open mid-2026. This new facility in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, will produce high-quality medical tubing for neurovascular and cardiovascular applications, including balloon catheters and other devices for minimally invasive procedures. Leveraging Lubrizol’s advanced medical-grade thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and other biocompatible engineered polymers, the tubing produced is intended for minimally invasive device technologies, supporting applications in electrostimulation, cardiovascular, neurovascular, and beyond. Key capabilities include single and multi-lumen precision extrusion of TPU, Nylon, Pebax® and other engineered thermoplastics, tri layer tubing, balloon tubing, as well as braiding. “We are strengthening our presence in India with strategic investments in local manufacturing, R&D, and technical capabilities,” said Mittal Shah, Business Head at Lubrizol. “These investments address our customers’ need for biocompatible, high-performance materials and advanced solutions that enable medical device innovation in India and globally.” ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27226/cmc-vellore-launches-centre-for-excellence-in-neurotechnology-in-collaboration-with-vattikuti-foundation.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27226/cmc-vellore-launches-centre-for-excellence-in-neurotechnology-in-collaboration-with-vattikuti-foundation.html Sat, 24 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0530 In a significant step towards strengthening India’s advanced neurological care and research ecosystem, the Vattikuti Foundation, in collaboration with Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, has launched the Centre of Advanced Neurotechnology at the CMC Vellore, Ranipet campus. The Centre marks the commissioning of an advanced MR guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) system, expanding to non-invasive treatment options for patients crippled with essential tremors and tremors in the patients suffering with Parkinson’s disease. The Vattikuti Foundation has donated an Insightec MR guided Focused Ultrasound system to CMC Vellore and will support the Centre’s long- term growth and sustenance for the initial years, including developing new technology, training surgeons through Vattikuti Fellowship programmes and implementing the best practices and research in identifying new surgical targets. MRgFUS uses real time MRI to precisely neuromodulate known surgical targets without the need for anesthesia, incisions, implants, blood loss, or prolonged recovery despite old age. It offers a lower risk therapeutic alternative for patients who continue to suffer as they do not want to undergo surgical risk and cannot afford it.  The launch addresses the growing burden of movement disorders in India, where an estimated four to ten million people are affected by tremors of different kinds and are dependent on medicines for the rest of their life.   Clinical focus at the Centre will initially include movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and essential tremors. While these represent current approved indications, experts noted that the technology holds wider promise for neurological care when supported by structured clinical research. The foundation launched a similar centre in 2025 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi and hopes to synergise research efforts at both healthcare institutions in India. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27106/scientists-in-india-australia-develop-precision-nanoinjection-platform-for-breast-cancer-drug-delivery.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27106/scientists-in-india-australia-develop-precision-nanoinjection-platform-for-breast-cancer-drug-delivery.html Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M), Monash University and Deakin University, Australia, have developed a cutting-edge nanoinjection drug delivery platform that has the potential to make breast cancer treatment safer and more effective. The approach creates a precise and sustained therapeutic system that minimises damage to healthy cells by combining nanoarchaeosome-based drug encapsulation with silicon nanotube (SiNT)-based intracellular delivery. Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality among women worldwide. Conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation often harm non-cancerous tissues due to systemic drug exposure. To overcome these limitations, the researchers from India and Australia have devised a nanoinjection system that delivers the anticancer drug doxorubicin directly into cancer cells using thermally stable nanoarchaeosomes (NAs) loaded into vertically aligned SiNTs etched onto a silicon wafer. This integrated approach enhances the therapeutic efficacy of the drug while maintaining excellent biocompatibility. Experimental results showed that the NAD-SiNTs (Nanoarchaeosome-Doxorubicin–Silicon Nanotubes) induced strong cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells, while sparing healthy fibroblasts. The NAD-SiNTs triggered cell-cycle arrest and necrosis in cancer cells and significantly reduced angiogenesis, the process through which tumours develop new blood vessels, by downregulating key pro-angiogenic factors. The platform demonstrated 23 times lower inhibitory concentration (IC50) than free doxorubicin, suggesting higher potency at much lower doses, which can directly translate into lower treatment costs and fewer side effects. The next phase of research will focus on in vivo validation, long-term toxicity studies, and regulatory assessments to prepare for preclinical and clinical translation. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27027/vtitan-launches-ai-powered-cardiac-monitor-vcardio.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/27027/vtitan-launches-ai-powered-cardiac-monitor-vcardio.html Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0530 vTitan Corporation, a MedTech company focused on innovative healthcare solutions, has announced the launch of vCardio, a single-lead, wearable point-of-care cardiac monitor. The device is entirely designed and manufactured in India, making vTitan one of the first companies in the country to deliver an end-to-end solution from hardware to cloud-based AI analytics in the health-tech space. vCardio has been engineered to provide smart, continuous monitoring for early detection of cardiac events and vigilant post-surgery care. With this launch, the company aims to make point-of-care services more accessible for patients and clinics. “The cardiac monitoring market faces a critical gap," said Prasad Maganti, CEO, vTitan. "There is an unmet need for point-of-care cardiac screening at ambulatory clinics, for continuous monitoring in pre-and-post-surgical step-down environments, and for prolonged home-based monitoring in cardiac risk patients. When we built vCardio, an edge-AI-enabled cardiac monitor, from ground up keeping clinical work flows in mind, , our aim was to meet this market need, and make cardiac care safer, smarter, and more accessible.” vCardio is a lightweight, compact point-of-care cardiac monitor designed for remote patient monitoring in homecare, geriatric care, and clinical settings. With Bluetooth connectivity, the device integrates seamlessly with the vCardio mobile app and software platform. Its lightweight construction ensures patient comfort during extended wear periods, supporting continuous monitoring throughout post-care recovery. The device employs AI-powered algorithms to detect and classify over 20 clinically significant cardiac arrhythmias in real-time as well as in the post-recording analysis of cardiac data over the course of a week. With clinically-validated accuracy, and beat-to-beat analysis, vCardio empowers healthcare professionals with faster, more precise rhythm insights, enhancing diagnostic confidence, streamlining clinical workflows, and improving patient outcomes.   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/26869/iit-madras-ohio-researchers-develop-new-ai-framework-to-aid-discovery-of-next-generation-drugs.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/26869/iit-madras-ohio-researchers-develop-new-ai-framework-to-aid-discovery-of-next-generation-drugs.html Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras’ Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (WSAI) and The Ohio State University, US, have developed a breakthrough Artificial Intelligence (AI) framework that can rapidly generate drug-like molecules that are easier to synthesise in real-world laboratory settings. The system promises to significantly cut down the early-stage timelines of drug development — currently a billion-dollar, decade-long process — and could play a crucial role in addressing drug resistance in cancer and infectious diseases. The new framework, called ‘PURE’ (Policy-guided Unbiased REpresentations for Structure-Constrained Molecular Generation (SCMG), stands apart from existing molecule-generation AI tools that rely on rigid scoring mechanisms or statistical optimisation. PURE was evaluated on widely accepted molecule-generation benchmarks, including QED (drug-likeness), DRD2 (dopamine receptor activity), and solubility tests. It delivered higher diversity and novelty in generated molecules and generated possible synthetic routes without ever being trained on those specific scoring metrics. This makes PURE a general-purpose AI engine for molecular discovery, capable of working across multiple disease and property objectives using a single trained model. Elaborating on this Research, Prof. B. Ravindran, Head, Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI (WSAI), IIT Madras, said, “Artificial intelligence is increasingly reshaping how we think about discovery itself, and drug design offers a compelling example of that transformation. What’s unique about PURE is the way it uses reinforcement learning, not just to optimize specific metrics, but to learn how molecules transform. By treating chemical design as a sequence of actions guided by real reaction rules, PURE moves us closer to AI systems that can reason through synthesis steps much like a chemist would.” This approach helps solve one of the biggest problems in AI-driven drug discovery - most AI-generated molecules look promising on a computer but are nearly impossible to synthesise in reality. PURE overcomes this by: ⮚       Grounding molecular generation in real synthesis pathways ⮚       Automatically learning chemical similarity instead of relying on metrics that introduce bias ⮚       Suggesting viable synthetic routes along with molecular structures ⮚       End Applications: faster drug pipelines and backup solutions for failing treatments ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/26804/iit-madras-partners-with-hyundai-motor-india-to-revolutionise-paediatric-cancer-care.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/26804/iit-madras-partners-with-hyundai-motor-india-to-revolutionise-paediatric-cancer-care.html Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0530 The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) is partnering with Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), to launch 'Hyundai Hope for Cancer' - a pioneering initiative dedicated to transforming paediatric cancer care in India. As part of its multi-year commitment towards this cause, HMIF has allocated a social impact investment of Rs 56 crore towards this landmark project. HMIL is the Indian arm of the South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor. This initiative aligns with Hyundai's global 'Hope on Wheels' programme, reinforcing its longstanding commitment to supporting children battling cancer worldwide. At the heart of this initiative is the Hyundai Centre for Cancer Genomics, housed at IIT Madras. It will also serve as a collaborative hub for clinicians, researchers, pharmaceutical scientists, and global partners, contributing to international efforts such as the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) and WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The Centre, launched recently, will also focus on genomic sequencing to identify genetic mutations, laying the foundation for a national paediatric cancer genome database and personalised treatment protocols. It features India's first community-based Cancer Tissue Biobank, enabling advanced genomic research in paediatric leukaemia and lymphoma. With a total sum of Rs 56 crore committed towards this initiative, HMIF has also established a dedicated Rs 3 crore Cancer Care Fund to ensure equitable access to treatment for economically disadvantaged patients. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/26719/iit-m-global-and-ideabaaz-join-hands-to-fuel-indias-startup-ecosystem-in-tier-2-and-3-cities.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/26719/iit-m-global-and-ideabaaz-join-hands-to-fuel-indias-startup-ecosystem-in-tier-2-and-3-cities.html Wed, 24 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0530 The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras Global, established to accelerate IIT Madras’ efforts to shape the global deep-technology innovation landscape, has become the Knowledge and Research Partner for ‘Ideabaaz’ – the country’s first media-integrated startup platform. The objective is to fuel India’s startup ecosystem with inclusivity, visibility, and access by taking the start-up ecosystem to Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities. This initiative aims to bridge India’s urban–rural innovation divide and empower founders to take their ideas from seed to unicorn to IPO. As the Knowledge and Research Partner, IIT Madras Global – the strategic international arm of IIT Madras – will bring deep-tech expertise and academic depth to the platform. Thirteen distinguished IIT Madras faculty members will serve as mentors and jury members, guiding entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Ideabaaz is a digital platform and a first-of-its-kind hub connecting startups with funding, mentorship, investor matchmaking, masterclasses, business services, and global market access. Highlighting the unique aspects of this initiative, Thirumalai Madhavnarayan, CEO, IIT Madras Global, said, “IIT Madras Global, as the Knowledge Partner of IDEABAAZ, is powering a transformative platform designed to foster inclusive innovation and empower grassroots entrepreneurship, bridging local ingenuity with global opportunities that create lasting social and economic impact.” Through this integrated approach, Ideabaaz and IIT Madras Global aims to build a sustainable national movement and position itself as the ‘Y Combinator of India.’ ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/26656/astrazeneca-makes-third-investment-of-rs-176-crore-in-india.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/26656/astrazeneca-makes-third-investment-of-rs-176-crore-in-india.html Sat, 06 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0530 AstraZeneca, a global, science-led, patient-focused pharmaceutical company dedicated to accelerating the delivery of life-changing medicines, has announced a strategic investment of Rs 176 crore, the third such investment in the past two years in India. This new investment is focused on expanding the capabilities and infrastructure at its Global Innovation & Technology Centre (GITC) in Chennai to strengthen its position as a leader in healthcare innovation both globally and in India. AstraZeneca’s expanded presence in the country will fuel the development of advanced technology capabilities, foster high-value job creation, and deepen collaborations with local talent pools and partners in Tamil Nadu and India. Additionally, this step will help accelerate the delivery of next-generation medicines, support digital and data-driven solutions, and help shape future-ready healthcare ecosystems.  "We’re proud to reinforce our commitment to the country’s vibrant scientific and technological community. This new investment reflects our ongoing mission to improve patient lives by embedding cutting-edge technologies into every aspect of our work. Chennai continues to evolve as a vital innovation hub, and our continued growth here demonstrates the state's boundless potential”, said Siva Padmanabhan, Managing Director, AstraZeneca India Private Limited. The investment supports the growth of AstraZeneca’s world-class technology and innovation teams, including specialists in artificial intelligence, data analytics, machine learning, data science, and supply chain analytics to shape and transform healthcare outcomes. The GITC will benefit immensely from upgraded and additional capacity, designed to enable collaborative research and transformative solutions that address complex healthcare challenges. MK Stalin-Chief Minister Tamil Nadu said, "AstraZeneca has played a significant role in shaping an ecosystem that integrates technology with healthcare ultimately changing the way people are accessing healthcare in the country. This additional investment in Chennai is a testament to state’s reputation as a centre of excellence for global innovation. This partnership will generate skilled opportunities, encourage knowledge exchange, and reinforce Tamil Nadu’s status as a premier destination for forward-looking industries."   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/26585/iit-m-develops-low-cost-chip-based-device-for-rapid-antibiotic-susceptibility-testing.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/26585/iit-m-develops-low-cost-chip-based-device-for-rapid-antibiotic-susceptibility-testing.html Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) have developed an innovative and affordable microfluidic device that can rapidly determine whether bacteria are resistant or susceptible to antibiotics. Unlike many modern techniques that rely on costly metals, complex fabrication processes, or require highly skilled technicians, this lab-on-chip device, known as ‘ε-µD’ is based on screen-printed carbon electrodes embedded in a simple microfluidic chip. This approach makes the device not only economical but also suitable for deployment in smaller clinics and rural healthcare centres. Designed for speed, sensitivity, and ease of use, it holds strong potential for early diagnosis and better treatment of bacterial infections, particularly in regions with limited access to advanced laboratory infrastructure. The ε-µD device can deliver results within three hours and is based on ‘Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy’. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most pressing challenges facing global healthcare systems today. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) is an important method used to identify which antibiotics will work against a specific infection. It helps doctors choose the right treatment and avoid the misuse of antibiotics, which is a major cause of AMR. However, traditional AST methods, which involve growing bacterial cultures and observing their response to antibiotics, are labour-intensive and typically take 48 to 72 hours. This delay can lead to the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics as a stopgap, which in turn exacerbates the resistance problem. The researchers tested the device on two types of bacteria - gram-negative E. coli and gram-positive B. subtilis. They used two antibiotics with different modes of action — ampicillin, which kills bacteria and tetracycline, which prevents them from growing — to confirm the device’s ability to detect both kinds of responses. The ε-µD was able to detect susceptibility profiles within three hours. In an important demonstration of real-world applicability, the team also tested the device on urine samples spiked with E. coli and successfully identified resistance to tetracycline, showing the potential of this device in clinical diagnostics. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/26552/fedex-and-iit-madras-open-smart-centre-to-research-sustainable-ai-driven-logistics-solutions.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/26552/fedex-and-iit-madras-open-smart-centre-to-research-sustainable-ai-driven-logistics-solutions.html Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), the world’s largest express transportation company, and Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have inaugurated the FedEx SMART Centre (Supply Chain Modelling, Algorithms, Research and Technology Centre) in the campus. A first-of-its-kind innovation hub, it will be dedicated to building sustainable, technology-driven logistics solutions. Backed by a five-year $5 million grant from FedEx, the Centre will combine cutting-edge research, advanced digital tools, and industry expertise to reimagine supply chains for agility, resilience, and environmental responsibility. “This Centre is more than just a hub for research. It’s a space where technology and talent come together with a shared purpose to shape what’s next,” said Kami Viswanathan. “By combining deep academic insight and global industry expertise, we can build smarter, more sustainable supply chains that create meaningful impact far all stakeholders,” Kami Viswanathan, President, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa (MEISA), FedEx said. The Centre will drive interdisciplinary projects spanning carbon-neutral operations, autonomous delivery systems, EV infrastructure, predictive analytics, and AI-driven worker safety, while also building platforms for capacity development and knowledge sharing. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/26467/maxivision-super-speciality-eye-hospitals-invests-rs-100-cr-to-expand-network-across-chennai.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/26467/maxivision-super-speciality-eye-hospitals-invests-rs-100-cr-to-expand-network-across-chennai.html Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Maxivision Super Speciality Eye Hospitals, one of India's fastest-growing eye care providers, has announced its strategic expansion in Chennai with the launch of 10 eye hospitals/vision centres across Chennai. With an investment of Rs 100 crore, Maxivision aims to expand its network across Chennai, starting with this launch. Maxivision already operates eye hospitals in Trichy, Madurai, Salem, Tanjore, Kumbakonam, Perambalur, and wishes to expand into all districts/towns across Tamil Nadu to fulfil its mission to deliver advanced, affordable, and community-centric eye care across Chennai & Tamil Nadu. MS Dhoni also launched SiLK Elita- Chennai’s first flapless, blade-free laser vision correction procedure- offering a pain-free experience, next-day recovery, and minimal dry-eye risk at its Anna Nagar premises. Dr GSK Velu, Chairman & Managing Director of Maxivision Super Speciality Eye Hospitals, said, “It is long-term overdue for us, and we are pleased to arrive in Chennai, where Maxivision’s corporate headquarters is based. Today marks a strategic step forward in expanding our footprint in the high-demand, high-potential market of Chennai. Our Chennai grand launch by MS Dhoni is aligned with our long-term vision to build a strong, decentralised ophthalmic infrastructure that can effectively address the growing burden of cataract, retina, glaucoma, and several other vision disorders. It also strengthens our talent ecosystem by creating avenues for ophthalmologists, optometrists, and allied professionals to thrive within their local communities. With this expansion, Maxivision reinforces its commitment to shaping the future of eye care delivery in Chennai and Tamil Nadu.” Dr Shibu Varkey, Regional Medical Director of Maxivision Super Speciality Eye Hospitals, added, “Our mission is to bring advanced, accessible eye care to underserved and middle-income communities across Tamil Nadu. With state-of-the-art technology and a strong focus on early diagnosis and preventive care, we aim to reduce the region’s long-term disease burden and establish Tamil Nadu as a hub for clinical excellence and ophthalmic skill development. The centres will serve as the first point of contact for early diagnosis of conditions like diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and glaucoma, helping reduce the long-term disease burden through timely intervention and education.” Prof Dr B Ganesh, Clinical & Academic Director, Maxivision Eye Hospitals, said, “The launch of 10 Super Speciality Eye Hospitals across Chennai marks a significant milestone in our mission to make world-class eye care accessible to every corner of the Greater Chennai region. We will start several academic initiatives to train Ophthalmologists, Optometrists , Counsellors & Para medical professionals as part of CSR initiatives across Tamil Nadu." ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/26408/agilisium-and-sriher-to-set-up-indias-first-agentic-ai-powered-digital-health-research-centre.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/26408/agilisium-and-sriher-to-set-up-indias-first-agentic-ai-powered-digital-health-research-centre.html Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0530 In a landmark move that positions India at the forefront of life sciences and healthcare innovation, Agilisium, a leading autonomous Agentic AI partner to the life sciences industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chennai-based Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) to set up the country’s first Agentic AI-Powered Digital Health & Research Centre.  Dedicated to advancing scientific research, healthcare delivery, and academic excellence through AI and GenAI, the Centre will serve as a collaborative hub to drive breakthroughs in precision medicine, digital diagnostics, and data-driven clinical research. By combining Agilisium’s expertise in AI-driven solutions with SRIHER’s clinical and academic leadership, the Centre aims to develop next-generation diagnostic tools, intelligent decision-support systems, and interoperable health data frameworks, positioning India as a global leader in future-ready digital healthcare. The collaboration aims to harness powerful synergies between clinical expertise and technology innovation to address some of the most critical challenges in modern healthcare. Agilisium will contribute its deep capabilities in advanced analytics, data science, biostatistics, GenAI, and autonomous Agentic AI, while SRIHER will provide access to rich clinical datasets, domain specialists, and advanced medical facilities and expertise. A major thrust of the partnership will be on co-developing and publishing high-impact scientific research that spans AI-powered clinical trials, predictive diagnostics, and personalised medicine; efforts that will significantly raise the bar for healthcare and life sciences R&D in India. This partnership will not only address technology and research but will aid in  the growing demand for intelligent, scalable patient care tools. AI-powered chatbots and GenAI-enabled virtual assistants to support clinicians, patients, and caregivers with real-time diagnostics, documentation, and remote monitoring will be the tools developed, piloted and validated at SRIHER’s hospital environment to measure clinical impact and user experience. The MoU also outlines the development of an industry-first academic certification program on Generative AI in Healthcare. Jointly designed and delivered by Agilisium and SRIHER, the course will cover applications across drug discovery, diagnostics, predictive modeling, and patient care. While Agilisium will offer real-world technology expertise, SRIHER will embed clinical relevance and academic rigor into the curriculum. Together, they aim to build a future-ready talent pool equipped to lead AI innovation in the healthcare sector. The partnership will also explore collaborations such as joint workshops, seminars, conferences and CSR-driven research funding to support socially relevant healthcare innovations.    Image caption- Left to Right -Raj Babu, Founder and CEO Agilisium and Dr Uma Sekar, Vice Chancellor, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/26414/iit-madras-incubated-startup-plenome-secures-rs-6-5-cr-in-seed-funding.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/26414/iit-madras-incubated-startup-plenome-secures-rs-6-5-cr-in-seed-funding.html Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0530 IIT Madras-incubated startup Plenome Technologies, which develops disruptive solutions for secure data management at scale, has raised seed funding of Rs 6.5 crore from Indian and Foreign investors. This is a major boost to access global markets for this Blockchain-AI solutions firm, which is developing technologies to enable data transfers in sensitive industries like Healthcare and Voting. Plenome’s BlockTrack ‘OraganEase solution’ for managing sensitive organ donation databases is already being deployed in trial runs in partnership with the apex body for organ transplants at a South Indian State. Plenome is also pioneering a novel pay-per-use model for conducting remote elections in large organisations, using its record-setting Blockchain-based ‘BlockVote’ software. This software was already successfully deployed for IIT Madras Student Elections. Additionally, Plenome is conducting trial runs of ‘Ashwin’, a suite of AI-powered electronic data capture, record maintenance and insight generation platforms in the dental specialisation within healthcare and is seeking to extend this to eye care, cosmetic and fertility segments. Ashwin offers voice-enabled electronic data capture through input in several Indic and foreign languages. Plenome’s technology is based on a unique patent-protected architecture that enables safe storage and retrieval of datasets across diverse organisations and geographies. The application of this technology to specific domains such as healthcare and voting bring out its strengths in accessibility and ease of deployment. Within the healthcare domain, Plenome solutions enable data transfers while ensuring the integrity and safety of the underlying records, while also allowing user controls.   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/26257/samsung-and-iit-madras-sign-mou-to-drive-ai-based-research-in-healthcare.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/26257/samsung-and-iit-madras-sign-mou-to-drive-ai-based-research-in-healthcare.html Tue, 17 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Samsung R&D Institute, Noida (SRI-N) has deepened its industry-academia engagement through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) to drive collaborative research, accelerate technology development and nurture future-ready talent. The partnership will focus on pioneering advancements in AI for Indian languages, HealthTech and emerging areas such as Generative AI, reinforcing Samsung’s commitment to build a stronger innovation ecosystem aligned with the vision of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’. The five-year MoU that was signed by Kyungyun Roo, Managing Director, SRI-N and Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, aims to provide a wide range of collaborative activities, including sponsored research projects, consultancy projects, technology licensing, trainings, facility development and sponsorship of student fellowships in future. This strategic partnership between Samsung India and IIT Madras adds to SRI-Noida’s growing network of academic collaborations, having already established long-term strategic MoUs with premier institutes including IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Bombay and IIT Ropar. Samsung and these institutes are charting an expansive roadmap toward a smarter, more connected world. By combining industry-scale resources with academic rigor, these partnerships are cultivating a thriving ecosystem for future breakthroughs. SRI-Noida will sponsor research and development (R&D) projects, which may be conducted at IIT Madras, the company’s premises or through a collaborative arrangement at both locations. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/26066/apollo-diagnostics-unveils-digi-smart-central-reference-laboratory-in-chennai.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/26066/apollo-diagnostics-unveils-digi-smart-central-reference-laboratory-in-chennai.html Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Apollo Diagnostics has unveiled its Digi-Smart Central Reference Laboratory (CRL), in Chennai, a fully automated facility designed to dramatically accelerate diagnostic timelines with error free operations to enhance patient care. This pioneering initiative leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver a 60% reduction in Laboratory sample Turnaround Time (TAT), setting a new benchmark for efficiency in medical diagnostics by early delivery of patient’s reports. The state-of-the-art facility, spanning 45,000 square feet, integrates five major laboratory disciplines—Clinical Chemistry, Immunoassay, Serology, Hematology, and Hemostasis—into a unified, digitally monitored, and fully automated track. This seamless integration, powered by advanced robotics, high-definition cameras, bespoke algorithms, and machine learning technologies, optimises processes, mitigates errors, and significantly improves clinical outcomes. The Digi-Smart Lab’s sophisticated automation allows for the processing of over 100,000 samples daily, catering to clients across India and Southeast Asia. The laboratory will undergo rigorous clinical laboratory proficiency testing (PT) programmes and regular quality control (QC) reviews along with National and International accreditations.     ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25988/neuberg-diagnostics-and-magnum-imaging-open-integrated-diagnostics-centre-in-trichy.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25988/neuberg-diagnostics-and-magnum-imaging-open-integrated-diagnostics-centre-in-trichy.html Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Neuberg Diagnostics, in collaboration with Magnum Imaging & Diagnostics, has announced the launch of Neuberg Magnum, a cutting-edge integrated diagnostics and imaging centre in Trichy. This joint venture marks a new era in comprehensive and personalised healthcare for the region. The grand launch of Neuberg Magnum was graced by Thiru. M.U. Anbalaagan, Mayor of Tiruchirappalli City Municipal Corporation, who formally inaugurated the main centre along with 14 new satellite centres across the Tiruchirappalli district through a virtual ceremony.  As part of Neuberg Magnum’s commitment to preventive healthcare and women’s wellness, a special Women Health Card was launched exclusively for women health workers of the Tiruchirappalli City Corporation. This initiative aims to empower frontline healthcare providers by offering them access to Pap Smear screening at Rs 300, Mammogram at Rs 500, and an additional 20% discount on blood tests, encouraging early detection of cervical and breast cancers.  Speaking on the occasion, Dr. GSK Velu, Chairman & Managing Director, Neuberg Diagnostics, said, "The centre aims to redefine early detection, disease monitoring, and wellness screening for all age groups, backed by AI-enabled technology, genomics, metabolomics, and oncopathology expertise. As Tamil Nadu’s healthcare landscape evolves, Neuberg Magnum brings together the best of diagnostic and imaging services under one roof offering advanced pathology, radiology, genomics, and wellness testing to the people of Trichy and surrounding regions. With this launch, the joint venture will strengthen its footprint across the state with nearly 15 integrated diagnostic centres, 25 labs, and over 150 collection centres providing better accessibility, faster results, and world-class service.” ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25994/dr-mohans-diabetes-specialities-centre-launches-ai-driven-diabetic-retinopathy-screening-software.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25994/dr-mohans-diabetes-specialities-centre-launches-ai-driven-diabetic-retinopathy-screening-software.html Tue, 15 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Taking yet another pioneering and life-changing step in the field of diabetic care, Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre (DMDSC) has launched a first-of-its-kind artificial intelligence (AI)-driven Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Software. This initiative aims to harness the latest artificial intelligence technology to detect early-stage diabetic retinopathy and apply this technology to offer quick and precise analysis that will help doctors make informed decisions. This move further strengthens DMDSC's vision of offering holistic preventive care in the diabetic field. Set to be available across its 50 clinics nationally, the hospital has launched this initiative in its flagship Pondicherry and Thanjavur clinics in the first phase of the rollout. Diabetic retinopathy ranks among the primary causes of vision impairment in individuals with diabetes, frequently going unnoticed until substantial damage has taken place. With this AI-powered screening, DMDSC aims to bridge the gap between early detection and effective treatment by providing quick, highly accurate, and accessible diagnostic solutions. Dr R. M. Anjana, Managing Director of Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, said, “Diabetic retinopathy is a silent but severe complication that can lead to irreversible vision loss if left undetected. With diabetes cases on the rise, it is crucial to integrate preventive eye care into routine diabetes management. This AI-powered screening initiative is a game-changer, as it enables early detection and timely intervention, significantly reducing the risk of vision impairment. We have chosen Pondicherry and Thanjavur as the first locations for this rollout due to the high prevalence of diabetes in these regions and the need to strengthen accessible eye care solutions. Our goal is to ensure that patients receive proactive, high-quality care close to home.”   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25951/neuberg-diagnostics-opens-advanced-regional-reference-laboratory-in-madurai.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25951/neuberg-diagnostics-opens-advanced-regional-reference-laboratory-in-madurai.html Mon, 07 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Neuberg Diagnostics, a global leader in diagnostic healthcare, has unveiled its advanced regional reference laboratory and wellness centre in Madurai. As the only NABL-accredited standalone advanced reference laboratory in Madurai, Neuberg Bose is set to redefine diagnostic excellence in the region. The advanced facility was inaugurated by Dr S. Meenakshi Sundaram – Neurologist; Dr GSK Velu, Founder & Chairman, Neuberg Diagnostics; Dr Puratchimani.S, Founder Bose Labs in the presence of distinguished guests. Further strengthening its healthcare footprint, Neuberg Diagnostics has also inaugurated 10 new collection centres across Madurai district in locations including Sattur(Madurai), Avaniyapuram, Thirunagar, Theni, Kochadai, Nagamalaipudukottai, Ksalai Pudur, Gomathipuram, and Simmakkal. The inauguration of these centres was conducted virtually by Minister Thiru. P. Moorthy. This expansion aims to provide enhanced accessibility and convenience for patients seeking high-quality diagnostic services in the region.   Residents of Madurai will now have access for an extensive array of over 6000 routine and specialised tests and this advanced laboratory have a capacity to process a remarkable number of 300000 tests samples per month. Spanning over 15,000 square feet, the facility houses multiple specialised laboratory divisions, including- Haematology, Biochemistry, Clinical Pathology, Immunology, Histopathology, Immunohistochemistry, Molecular Genetics, Cytogenetics, Microbiology, serology, Flow Cytometry and Mass Spectrometry; A comprehensive radiology suite featuring Ultrasound, Audiometry, Ophthalmology, X-Ray, ECG, TMT, Spirometry, and Executive Medical Check-ups. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25922/tvaster-genkalp-secures-1-25-m-funding-to-advance-liquid-biopsy-cancer-diagnostics.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25922/tvaster-genkalp-secures-1-25-m-funding-to-advance-liquid-biopsy-cancer-diagnostics.html Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Chennai-based molecular diagnostic startup Tvaster Genkalp has raised $1.25 million in a Pre-Series A funding round led by Ideaspring Capital. Existing investors include Invigo Softwares and Prof. Mohamed Rela, a globally renowned liver transplant surgeon. The fresh investment will accelerate expansion and commercialisation of Episcreen Liver, a pioneering methylation-based liquid biopsy test for early liver cancer detection. Co-founded in 2021 by Dr Srikar Raman and K Sreedurgalakshmi, Tvaster is transforming molecular diagnostics and precision oncology through advanced epigenetic screening technologies. The company develops proprietary, high-accuracy genetic solutions, setting a new benchmark in non-invasive cancer detection. Dr Srikar Raman, Co-founder of Tvaster Genkalp, said, “The funding will accelerate nationwide deployment of Episcreen Liver, offering a non-invasive, highly accurate diagnostic alternative for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer.” He further added that while Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP), the current standard for HCC screening, has 50% sensitivity, Episcreen Liver achieves 90% sensitivity thus significantly improving early detection and increasing survival chances by over 70%. To achieve this, Tvaster is forging partnerships with leading diagnostic companies. Tvaster is also advancing its oncology diagnostics pipeline with Episcreen Bile, a novel test for Cholangiocarcinoma, an aggressive bile duct cancer with limited early detection options. Additionally, the company has developed Episcreen HBResist, the first-ever chemotherapy resistance test for pediatric hepatoblastoma, addressing a critical gap in childhood cancer treatment.  ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/views/113/25897/only-the-anonymised-summary-of-clinical-variants-in-the-bharat-cancer-genome-atlas-is-accessible-to-clinicians.html https://biospectrumindia.com/views/113/25897/only-the-anonymised-summary-of-clinical-variants-in-the-bharat-cancer-genome-atlas-is-accessible-to-clinicians.html Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0530 With the launch of the BCGA as open-source data, tools like AI/ML and data analytics software will be deployed. How will these technologies support informed decision-making in diagnosis and treatment? BCGA contains whole-exome sequencing data from both tumour tissue and matched normal tissue samples. Researchers can leverage this data, along with Artificial Intelligence (AI) or other machine learning (ML) techniques, to explore various combinations and permutations of the genetic variants and extract the specific information they need. Integrating this data with the existing healthcare system is a top priority. BCGA is readily available for all young researchers who want to conduct cancer genomic research. Also, we want to make this genomic information readily accessible to clinicians across the country. This would greatly assist clinicians in making efficient decisions about the best course of treatment for each individual patient.  What significant trends or patterns have you observed in the cancer genomes of the 500 samples collected until now? Are they indicating the probable cause of cancer incidence in these patients?  We observed some unique mutations specific to the Indian population and noticed different frequencies of mutation profiles compared with Western counterparts. BCGA will be very helpful in identifying mutations involved in hereditary cancers. What other cancers will be considered for building a genome database, and why these cancers? We are in the process of sequencing other prevalent cancers (such as colorectal, head and neck, pancreatic, and leukaemia) in India. Scaling up this database will call for more financial aid, and maintaining an open-source database will also require continuous monetary support. What sustainable plans are ahead for this scaleup? We certainly need more funding support to scale up the genomic sequencing of other prevalent cancer types and also maintain BCGA. We are planning to approach the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Department of Science & Technology (DST), and  the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for support.  Will IIT-M partner with Tata Memorial Hospital and other large cancer care hospitals in the country to build an extensive database? We are currently collaborating with 10 different hospitals and are in the process of discussing this with other hospitals. We hope to get samples from across India very soon.  While the database does not reveal patient details, health data privacy is a significant concern. What measures have been taken to ensure data privacy? We want to emphasise that all samples included in the database are collected and sequenced only after obtaining ethical clearance. So, there are absolutely no ethical concerns regarding the data in the BCGA. Only the anonymised summary of clinical variants in the BCGA is accessible to clinicians and other stakeholders. BCGA follows global best practices in data sharing and security. We have also implemented strict ethical review processes to ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks like the Personal Data Protection Bill of India.   Anusha Ashwin  ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25775/tamil-nadu-approves-primary-hemostatic-agent-seraseal-under-nk-48-cmchis-scheme.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25775/tamil-nadu-approves-primary-hemostatic-agent-seraseal-under-nk-48-cmchis-scheme.html Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0530 SeraSeal, the world’s first and only primary hemostatic agent, has been approved for use in trauma and emergency bleed management under the Nammai Kaakkum 48 (NK-48) scheme of the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHiS) in Tamil Nadu. This milestone approval will strengthen emergency care across 702 empanelled state hospitals, covering a wide range of specialties including neuro, ENT, spine, cardiac, vascular, liver, kidney transplant, and orthopaedic surgeries. The NK-48 scheme, a crucial component of the Innuyir Kappom Thittam (IKT), provides cashless treatment for road accident victims within the first 48 hours. The initiative aims to reduce mortality rates and improve trauma care efficiency by ensuring access to immediate medical intervention. SeraSeal, developed by US-based Wortham Labs, is a groundbreaking primary hemostatic agent engineered to stop bleeding on contact, making it a game-changer in emergency and surgical applications. Formulated with agar and bovine factor proteins (IIa, VIIa, IXa, and Xa), it acts as a catalyst in the clot formation process, delivering superior efficiency in controlling both arterial and venous hemorrhages. Unlike conventional hemostatic agents, SeraSeal is effective across all coagulopathies, including those induced by anticoagulant drugs and platelet inhibitors. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25691/srm-global-hospitals-launches-centre-for-womens-health-and-wellness.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25691/srm-global-hospitals-launches-centre-for-womens-health-and-wellness.html Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Chennai-based SRM Global Hospitals has launched the Centre for Women’s Health & Wellness – WOW, to provide comprehensive, high-quality, and patient-focused medical services, ensuring that women receive exceptional care at every stage of life. The centre was inaugurated by Manimangai Sathyanarayanan, Managing Director, SRM Global Hospitals, in the presence of Dr V.P. Chandrasekaran, Chief Operating Officer of the hospital. WOW houses modern labor and delivery rooms, maternity wards, a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), fertility clinics, ultrasound and imaging facilities, gynecological operating theaters, breast health and screening units, fertility consultation and counseling rooms, emergency and trauma care, and physiotherapy and pelvic floor rehabilitation services. The team of specialists includes Gynecologists, Obstetricians, Maternal-fetal medicine specialists, Dermatologists, and Pelvic floor Therapists, besides Nutritionists/Dietitians, Lactation specialists, and yoga exponents. On the focus of the healthcare services provided by WOW, Dr Saswati Tripathi, Senior Consultant—Obstetrics & Gynaecology, said, “With a team of renowned Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the hospital is committed to providing personalized treatment plans, high-risk pregnancy management, fertility solutions, and postpartum care. The initiative emphasises maternal well-being, neonatal safety, and overall women’s health, ensuring a seamless journey from conception to motherhood and beyond.” She added that the hospital follows a transparent pricing model with a fixed fee for delivery, whether normal or cesarean, covering all scans, tests, and even yoga and nutrition sessions throughout the nine-month journey. Any pregnancy-related complications are also included in this cost, ensuring comprehensive care without unexpected expenses. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25675/iit-madras-centre-for-responsible-ai-teams-up-with-roche-diagnostics-for-rd.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25675/iit-madras-centre-for-responsible-ai-teams-up-with-roche-diagnostics-for-rd.html Fri, 14 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0530 The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI) is teaming up with Roche Diagnostics International Ltd, Switzerland, for collaboration in Research and Development (R&D). Roche is joining CeRAI as a Gold Consortium Member with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two organisations.  CeRAI and Roche a global leader in in-vitro diagnostics and developer of digital health solutions, will engage in collaborative research activities in Analytics/ AI solutions as well as services for IVD diagnostics. Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI) is a virtual interdisciplinary research centre at IIT Madras. The centre aims to pursue research in the domains of Ethical and Responsible AI and become the standard body in the country to recommend guidelines and policies to make deployable AI models/ systems more accountable, explainable and responsible. Speaking on ‘Responsible AI’, Prof. B Ravindran, Head, Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI), IIT Madras, said, “Responsible development and deployment of AI systems requires close interaction between AI scientists and domain experts. Roche recognises this and has an active research program on ethical AI and data management. We look forward to working closely with their program in building more robust and ethical systems for AI in healthcare.” Manu Dev, Chapter Lead for IVD Analytics product domain, Roche Information Solutions said, “At Roche, we believe in the power of data. It helps healthcare providers and patients make informed decisions. The framework agreement with IIT Madras will enable us to collaborate on important research activities related to Analytics and AI in digital health solutions for in-vitro diagnostics. Sharing knowledge and expertise helps us get closer to a better healthcare system for all.” ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25638/goqii-and-acrannolife-genomics-launch-ai-driven-initiative-for-post-transplant-care.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25638/goqii-and-acrannolife-genomics-launch-ai-driven-initiative-for-post-transplant-care.html Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Mumbai-based GOQii, a leading smart preventive healthcare company, has joined forces with Acrannolife Genomics, a pioneer in precision diagnostics in Chennai, to launch the GrafCare Programme. This ground breaking initiative leverages advanced genomic diagnostics, artificial intelligence (AI), and personalised health monitoring to redefine post-transplant care for organ recipients in India. To address the unique challenges faced by transplant recipients, the GrafCare Programme combines Acrannolife’s patented Trunome test with GOQii’s smart health ecosystem. This powerful integration offers early detection, real-time health monitoring, and tailored support to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life. Acrannolife’s US-patented Trunome test is a non invasive blood test that identifies early signs of organ rejection or infection. Powered by advanced genomic research and AI, the test provides clinicians with precise, actionable insights to intervene before complications escalate. Patients receive a GOQii Smart Vital Device, which tracks vital parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels in real time. AI-driven predictive analytics assess patient data to generate early alerts and personalised recommendations, enabling proactive care. With over 20,000 transplants performed annually in India and a growing global demand for post-transplant solutions, the GrafCare Program is poised to redefine healthcare delivery. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25619/iit-m-launches-first-of-its-kind-cancer-genome-database-to-transform-cancer-research-in-india.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25619/iit-m-launches-first-of-its-kind-cancer-genome-database-to-transform-cancer-research-in-india.html Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0530 The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) in collaboration with Karkinos Healthcare, Mumbai, the Chennai Breast Clinic and Cancer Research and Relief Trust, Chennai, has announced the completion of the Indian breast cancer genome sequence generation and released the ‘Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas’ (BCGA). The institute has made this database publicly accessible at bcga.iitm.ac.in to researchers and clinicians in India and abroad. The research was led by the Institute’s Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics, which was funded under the Government of India’s ‘Institutions of Eminence’ initiative. Elaborating on this initiative, Project Coordinator Prof. S. Mahalingam, Head, Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics, IIT Madras, said, “This database will be an invaluable resource to identify cancer-specific biomarkers in India, which will enable early detection of breast cancers. Further, it will also be very useful to identify novel drug targets for developing better treatment strategies specific to the Indian population.” This Genome Atlas also provides knowledge on the genetic basis of cancer progression and evolution and may help the biomedical research and healthcare system in India shift toward a vision of “personalised medicine” which may improve the standard of medical care by including an individual’s genetic and molecular information in the clinical decision-making process. The analysis was performed under the aegis of National Center for Precision Medicine in Cancer, an initiative between IIT Madras and Karkinos Healthcare to accelerate interdisciplinary research and development of affordable cancer care solutions. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25599/royal-philips-launches-ai-enabled-ct-5300-at-asian-oceanian-congress-of-radiology-in-chennai.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25599/royal-philips-launches-ai-enabled-ct-5300-at-asian-oceanian-congress-of-radiology-in-chennai.html Mon, 27 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Royal Philips, a global leader in health technology, has launched the artificial intelligence (AI) enabled CT 5300 at the 23rd Asian Oceanian Congress of Radiology (AOCR) 2025. Philips CT 5300 system, equipped with advanced AI capabilities, is designed for diagnosis, interventional procedures and screening. The flexible X-ray CT system increases diagnostic confidence, streamlines workflow efficiency, and maximises system up-time, helping to improve patient outcomes and department productivity. With cutting-edge AI features like AI reconstruction, AI cardiac motion correction & AI smart workflows, CT 5300 is designed to enhance diagnostic accuracy coupled with high speed.  Philips also celebrated the installation of 1500+ Helium Free 1.5T wide Bore (70 cm) MRI systems worldwide. The revolutionary MRI with BlueSeal magnet technology is the industry's first wide bore 1.5T fully sealed magnet, which relieves healthcare providers from helium-related complications and unpredictability. BlueSeal magnet requires only 0.5% of helium compared to a conventional MRI system. Based on a decade of innovation, Philips BlueSeal is a fully sealed magnet designed to simplify MRI installations, reduce lengthy and costly disruptions in MRI services, and help healthcare departments transition to sustainable helium-free operations. This revolutionary magnet operates with only seven liters of liquid helium and is fully sealed – freeing up the minds of healthcare providers from potential helium complications. With BlueSeal magnet, Philips aims to help MRI facilities overcome potential helium-related issues of classic magnet design and eliminate the radiology department's dependency on scarce helium supply.    ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25565/vfl-sciences-announces-cooperation-with-rocgene-technology.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25565/vfl-sciences-announces-cooperation-with-rocgene-technology.html Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Chennai-based VFL Sciences and RocGene Technology, based in China, have signed an agreement of cooperation wherein VFL Sciences will exclusively sell the entire range of products from RocGene in India. This multiyear cooperation will enable both companies to explore the Indian market and devise strategies and road map to further strengthen their presence. Dr Young K. Yun, Vice President, Global RocGene states, “India is one of the largest markets for scientific instruments and we are excited to cooperate with VFL Sciences to grow our business further. We also strongly believe that this cooperation will enable RocGene to become a prominent player in the molecular research and diagnostics market. Vancheeswaran Sankaranarayanan, Managing Director of VFL Sciences states, “RocGene, founded in 2016, has become one of the leading players in PCR & qPCR market in China and is also present across the globe. The experience from the Chinese and global market will help us in the product positioning in India and will also help us to explore further possibilities of collaboration in India.”   ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25560/iit-m-cmc-vellore-develop-affordable-indigenous-robot-for-hand-rehabilitation.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25560/iit-m-cmc-vellore-develop-affordable-indigenous-robot-for-hand-rehabilitation.html Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) and Christian Medical College, Vellore (CMC Vellore) have developed a cost-effective and portable plug-and-train robot for hand rehabilitation. Called ‘PLUTO’ (Plug and Train Robot), this device technology was licensed through Technology Transfer Office-TTO ICSR and commercialised by Thryv Rehab Solutions. It addresses a significant gap in the current rehabilitation market. This innovative device is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for affordable and adaptable rehabilitation solutions in clinical and home settings. PLUTO is also the first and only indigenous robot to have been tested in Indian homes, demonstrating that PLUTO can deliver intense therapy and make therapy accessible. PLUTO has already benefitted more than 1,000 Patients in the last four years. This product is a great example of academic research successfully translating into a product that reached the common man and is poised to benefit thousands of patients. This patented technology offers precise therapeutic movements and real-time feedback, ensuring better outcomes for patients with conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinsons’ disease and post hand-surgery, among others. The device is well-suited for use in rehabilitation centres, clinics, hospitals, and even patients’ homes, bridging the gap in accessibility to effective, affordable hand rehabilitation solutions. The innovation’s cost-effectiveness and portability make it a transformative tool in the healthcare industry. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25539/neuberg-diagnostics-secures-rs-940-cr-from-kotak-alt.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25539/neuberg-diagnostics-secures-rs-940-cr-from-kotak-alt.html Fri, 10 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0530 Neuberg Diagnostics has secured Rs 940 crore from Kotak Alt in the largest-ever primary fund-raise in the Indian diagnostics sector.  Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Chennai, Neuberg Diagnostics has rapidly emerged as the fastest-growing, largest integrated diagnostics player in the country and one of the top 4 largest diagnostics providers of Indian origin. With an extensive network spanning over 10,000 touch points and 250+ labs across 250 cities, the company is well on its way to transforming the healthcare landscape in India. It boasts a highly skilled team of clinical pathologists, oncopathologists, biochemists, geneticists, and other certified lab professionals, giving it the capability to perform over 5,000 types of tests.  Speaking about the fundraise, Dr GSK Velu, Founder and MD of Neuberg Diagnostics, said, “This funding will enable us to enhance our capabilities in the areas of personalised medicine, integrated diagnostics and inorganically expand our footprint across the country. As we prepare for an IPO, we remain committed to making high-quality diagnostics accessible to all, ensuring that our services continue to meet the evolving needs of clinicians and patients.” Rahul Shah, Partner at Kotak Alt said, “We are confident that this strategic investment will play a key role in increasing the scale of Neuberg Diagnostics and help the company get ready for their upcoming IPO."  o3 Capital acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Neuberg Diagnostics for their fundraise from Kotak Alt. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25434/fujifilm-unveils-medical-training-simulator-designed-to-revolutionise-endoscopy-education.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25434/fujifilm-unveils-medical-training-simulator-designed-to-revolutionise-endoscopy-education.html Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0530 Fujifilm India, a leader in medical technology, has unveiled the groundbreaking mikoto Colon Model, a cutting-edge endoscopy simulation technology, during the Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endosurgeons (IAGES) Prof. Dr. B Krishna Rau Simulation Training Programme, a hands-on endoscopy workshop, in Chennai. The mikoto Colon Model is a state-of-the-art medical training simulator designed to revolutionise endoscopy education. Compact and portable, it combines advanced sensor technology with artificial intelligence to provide realistic feedback, evaluate procedures, and score performance. With four levels of difficulty, it enables self-paced learning for practitioners of varying expertise. This innovative simulator enhances skills, builds confidence, and ensures greater precision in real-world applications, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and advancing the standards of endoscopic care. Prof. Masashi Fujii, MD, Ph.D., CEO of R Zero Inc., Japan, highlighted the significance of this innovation, stating "The mikoto Colon Model represents a leap forward in medical training. By combining technology with education, it allows healthcare professionals to refine their skills in a controlled, realistic environment, ensuring better patient outcomes." The mikoto Colon Model sets a new standard in endoscopy training. This state-of-the-art, portable medical simulator utilises advanced sensors and artificial intelligence to evaluate and score procedures, offering four levels of difficulty for self-guided learning. The unveiling of the mikoto Colon Model marks a transformative moment in medical training, underscoring Fujifilms dedication to advancing endoscopy education. By combining cutting-edge simulation technology with practical learning, it empowers healthcare professionals to enhance their skills and achieve better patient outcomes. ]]> https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25436/iit-madras-releases-most-detailed-3d-high-resolution-images-of-human-foetal-brain.html https://biospectrumindia.com/news/113/25436/iit-madras-releases-most-detailed-3d-high-resolution-images-of-human-foetal-brain.html Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0530 Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) has become the first research organisation in the world to release the most detailed 3D high-resolution images of the fetal brain. This pioneering work from the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre of IIT Madras pushes the frontiers of Brain Mapping Technology and places India in the global league of brain mapping science as this is first-of-its-kind work anywhere in the world. This Data Set, termed ‘DHARANI’, is available open source (https://brainportal.humanbrain.in/publicview/index.html), making it freely available for all researchers world-wide. For the first time globally, 5,132 brain sections have been captured digitally using cutting-edge Brain Mapping Technology developed by Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre in the Institute. This work will advance the field of Neuroscience and potentially lead to the development of treatment for health conditions affecting the brain. This monumental work is the first time such advanced human neuroscience data has been produced from India. The project was done at less than 1/10th of the costs in Western Countries. The research was undertaken by a multidisciplinary team at IIT Madras with researchers from India, Australia, US, Romania and South Africa, and medical collaborations with Chennai-based Mediscan Systems and Saveetha Medical College Hospital. This research, led by Prof. Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam, Head, Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre, IIT Madras, is critical for India as the country accounts for nearly one-fifth of the world’s childbirths at 25 million each year. This makes it vital for the country to understand the brain development from the foetus to a child, to adolescence, and to a young adult, and developmental disorders like learning disabilities and autism. This work was supported by the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Kris Gopalakrishnan, IIT Madras Distinguished Alumnus and Co-Founder, Infosys, Premji Invest, Fortis Healthcare and Agilus Diagnostics. NVIDIA, the leading AI company, partnered with the Centre to help process these petabytes of brain data. The key applications of generating such high-resolution brain images are advancements to current fetal imaging technologies, for early diagnosis and treatment for developmental disorders. The Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre has created this comprehensive cell resolution atlas of the human foetal brain in the second trimester. This detailed atlas, where the researchers have identified and marked over 500 brain regions, will serve as an important global reference for advancing human neuroscience research for decades to come. ]]>