The Madras Medical Mission (MMM), Chennai based multi-speciality hospital and MedGenome, bangalore based genomic diagnostics and research company, have collaborated for research on cardiac diseases such as: coronary artery diseases including myocardial infarction (heart attack), pulmonary arterial hypertension, cardiomyopathies and sudden cardiac deaths/arrhythmia.
In November, 2016 MedGenome had collaborated with MMM to set up a state-of-the art genomic laboratory for all clinical and diagnostic research purposes at the hospital premises. In the second phase, MMM & MedGenome are taking this association one notch up by undertaking research projects. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Colin Berry, Professor of Cardiology and Imaging from Glasgow University and Director of Research and Development, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, expressed the need for international collaboration to find answer for the increasing threat of cardiovascular diseases in the young. Breakthrough in imaging technology and interventional cardiology practices have increased the quality of life and reduced mortality. “We look forward to work with cardiologists from India to initiate and replicate some of the cardiovascular research studies that are going on in UK”, he added.
Commenting on the proposed partnership Dr. Mullasari Ajit S, Director- Cardiology, MMM said, “We are happy to associate with Glasgow University to realize our mission of providing world-class healthcare and engaging state-of-the-art technologies. We are at an advantage to have the most updated NGS technologies required for this research, in the vicinity through MedGenome. We are keen to bring the best of the evidence based medicine through collaborative research for the benefit of masses here in India. ”
The research and diagnostic lab will offer next-generation sequencing based genomic solutions to provide insights into complex diseases at the genetic and molecular level which will cover Exome Sequencing, RNA Sequencing, and Panel Sequencing.
Speaking on the inauguration, Dr.Ramprasad, COO, MedGenome, said, “Cardiovascular diseases deaths in India accounts for 25 % of the total deaths, and in that Ischemic heart disease and stroke are the predominant causes responsible for more than 80% of CVD deaths. Addressing this significant burden requires an understanding of both the biological and social determinants, and the complex dynamics underlying their interaction including the genetic factors.”
This centre has a complete infrastructure for sample collection and initial processing. The centre provides productive and efficient environment for interaction between MedGenome and MMM staff which has led to the onset of many projects in cardiovascular research.
