Andhra Pradesh Government and AstraZeneca India to Launch India’s First Integrated Precision Oncology ecosystem.
The Government of Andhra Pradesh today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AstraZeneca India to launch India’s first integrated Precision Oncology ecosystem, bringing together Artificial Intelligence (AI), Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), advanced genomics and the innovation capabilities of Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) to transform cancer care. The collaboration aims to establish a comprehensive technology-enabled model that spans the entire patient journey—from early screening and diagnosis to genomic testing, personalised treatment and long-term follow-up—setting a new bencmark for public healthcare innovation and positioning Andhra Pradesh at the forefront of precision medicine in India.
Cancer is one of India’s fastest-growing public health challenges, with more than 1.4 million new cases diagnosed every year and the disease burden expected to rise steadily over the coming decade. Lung and breast cancers account for a significant proportion of cancer-related deaths, largely because many patients are diagnosed only after the disease has progressed to advanced stages. Across the world, healthcare systems are increasingly adopting Artificial Intelligence, genomics and precision medicine to enable earlier diagnosis, improve treatment outcomes and reduce mortality. Through this initiative, Andhra Pradesh is among the first States in the country to systematically integrate these globally proven technologies into its public healthcare system.
Bringing together AstraZeneca’s global leadership in oncology, the AI and advanced computing ecosystem of Amaravati Quantum Valley, and Andhra Pradesh’s vision of technology-enabled healthcare, the collaboration will create an end-to-end precision oncology platform that supports every stage of cancer care—from AI-enabled screening and diagnosis to biomarker testing, treatment planning and long-term follow-up. By integrating AI across the patient journey, the initiative will reduce diagnostic delays, improve access to precision diagnostics and enable clinicians to deliver personalised, data-driven cancer care. It also establishes the foundation for the future integration of quantum computing, advanced analytics and genomics, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a global hub for AI and quantum-enabled healthcare innovation.
As part of the collaboration, AstraZeneca India will facilitate the deployment of Qure.ai’s Artificial Intelligence-powered chest X-ray solution across selected government healthcare facilities to strengthen the early detection of lung cancer. The AI platform will assist clinicians by identifying pulmonary nodules and other suspicious abnormalities that may otherwise remain unnoticed during routine chest X-rays. Patients identified as high-risk will be systematically referred for confirmatory diagnosis and timely clinical intervention, significantly improving the chances of detecting cancer at an earlier and more treatable stage.
A key pillar of the partnership is the establishment of the Integrated Genomic Solutions Centre (IGSC), a first-of-its-kind initiative in Andhra Pradesh that will significantly expand access to advanced genomic diagnostics for cancer patients. The Government of Andhra Pradesh will facilitate the initiative by providing the required infrastructure and institutional support, while AstraZeneca India, together with its scientific and technology partners, will lead implementation by bringing global expertise in precision oncology, biomarker testing and clinical pathway development.
The IGSC will perform Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)-based biomarker testing for lung and breast cancer patients. Unlike conventional diagnostic approaches, genomic testing enables doctors to understand the unique genetic profile of an individual’s cancer and determine whether the patient is likely to benefit from targeted therapies or other precision oncology treatments. This represents a significant shift from a one-size-fits-all approach towards personalised cancer care, allowing patients to receive therapies that are more effective for their specific disease.
During the initial phase of the program, AstraZeneca India will facilitate complimentary biomarker testing which will help improving access to advanced diagnostics that are often inaccessible because of cost or limited availability.
The collaboration will strengthen referral pathways by connecting district hospitals, medical colleges and specialised cancer centres through an organised patient navigation framework. This integrated approach is designed to ensure that patients move seamlessly from screening to diagnosis, biomarker testing and treatment without unnecessary delays, thereby improving continuity of care across the public healthcare system.
Beyond improving patient outcomes, the collaboration establishes the foundation for a genomics-led healthcare innovation ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh. Subject to patient consent and applicable regulatory frameworks, the genomic insights generated through the programme can support future research in cancer biology, precision medicine, clinical research and Artificial Intelligence-enabled healthcare. Over time, these capabilities are expected to integrate with the broader Amaravati Quantum Valley ecosystem, where advanced computing, Artificial Intelligence, quantum technologies and life sciences are being brought together to accelerate next-generation scientific research, drug discovery and healthcare innovation.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, said: “Healthcare across the world is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Artificial Intelligence, genomics and data science are changing the way diseases are detected, diagnosed and treated. Our vision is to ensure that these technologies are not confined to a few advanced institutions but become accessible to every citizen through our public healthcare system.
Our partnership with AstraZeneca represents an important milestone in building a predictive, preventive and personalised healthcare ecosystem for Andhra Pradesh. By integrating AI-enabled screening, advanced genomic diagnostics and coordinated patient pathways, we aim to detect cancer earlier, improve treatment outcomes and reduce the burden on thousands of families.
This initiative complements our broader vision of leveraging emerging technologies through programs such as Sanjeevani, Real Time Governance and Amaravati Quantum Valley to build a healthier, future-ready Andhra Pradesh. It is another step towards making the State a national leader in healthcare innovation while ensuring that innovation ultimately serves people.”
Speaking about the collaboration, Mr. Praveen Rao Akkinepally, Country President & Managing Director, AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd., said: “Cancer care is increasingly moving towards precision medicine, where every patient receives treatment based on the unique biology of their disease. At AstraZeneca, we are committed to transforming cancer outcomes through scientific innovation, early diagnosis, and equitable access to advanced care.
We are proud to collaborate with the Government of Andhra Pradesh in bringing globally recognised technologies—including Artificial Intelligence-assisted screening, advanced genomic diagnostics and integrated patient pathways—into the public healthcare system. Together, we are creating India’s first integrated precision oncology ecosystem, with the potential to improve outcomes for thousands of patients while serving as a scalable national model for the future of cancer care.”
This collaboration represents far more than the establishment of a diagnostic facility. It brings together government leadership, global scientific expertise, healthcare providers and technology partners to create India’s first integrated precision oncology ecosystem spanning early detection, organised referrals, genomic diagnostics, personalised treatment and future research. By combining Artificial Intelligence, genomics and the innovation ecosystem of Amaravati Quantum Valley with public healthcare delivery, Andhra Pradesh is setting a new national benchmark for technology-driven healthcare while laying the foundation for future breakthroughs in quantum-enabled medicine, drug discovery, and precision healthcare.
