Access to NIPT, TB and Rare Disease diagnostics to benefit thousands of patients nationwide

Vgenomics, a leading precision health company, and Meril Genomics, a trusted diagnostics and molecular biology provider, have announced a groundbreaking partnership aimed at providing complementary advanced genomic diagnostics to hospitals and research centres throughout India.

This strategic collaboration combines Vgenomics’ expertise in bioinformatics, AI-driven research, and translational genomics with Meril Genomics’ proven capabilities in diagnostics and molecular biology.

The partnership will significantly enhance precision medicine accessibility, marking a milestone in genomic healthcare in India. Initiatives under this partnership include Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), which addresses the growing risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, especially among expectant mothers with advanced maternal age. NIPT will facilitate early detection, contributing to safer pregnancies and healthier newborn outcomes across India.

In addition, the collaboration introduces targeted Next-Generation Sequencing (tNGS) for Tuberculosis (TB), significantly impacting India’s healthcare landscape, where roughly 26 per cent of Global TB cases occur annually. By enabling rapid and precise detection, tNGS will facilitate timely treatment and effective management of the disease, reducing its burden nationwide.

Furthermore, the initiative includes Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) for diagnosing rare diseases, addressing the needs of approximately 70 million affected individuals in India. Integrating WES with advanced AI analytics will significantly accelerate diagnostic timelines, enhance personalized treatment approaches, and reduce the prolonged diagnostic journey often faced by rare disease patients.

“Together, we envision an India where every citizen has seamless access to advanced genomic diagnostics and precision medicine,” stated Dr Rahila Sardar, CEO, Vgenomics. “Our partnership with Meril Genomics exemplifies our mutual dedication to leveraging genomic science to achieve groundbreaking improvements in patient care and medical outcomes.”

CEO Meril Group, a global leader in medtech solutions, echoed the sentiment: “By merging our strengths in molecular diagnostics with Vgenomics’ innovative genomic capabilities, we are bridging the gap in genomics diagnostic accessibility. Our efforts will empower clinicians across India, facilitating early and accurate diagnoses. This is a critical step toward advancing precision medicine and aligns perfectly with Meril’s vision of enhancing quality of life through innovative healthcare solutions.”