The Importance of India-Based Genomics to India and Global Healthcare

Executive Summary

Motivated by the growing importance of genomics-related innovations, including in India and other low- and middle-income countries (“LMICs”), this report has been prepared with three objectives in mind:

1. we wanted a report in place that provides an introductory, very high level summary of the fast-paced exploration of genomics, its association with disease, and why it is playing an increasingly important role in diagnostics, therapeutic interventions, and E-Health.1
2. we wanted to better understand the human genome of India, including some of the principal ecosystem challenges that innovation can and should seek to address; and
3. we wanted to begin landscaping India’s genomics-related pipeline in a more organized fashion.

For any audiences interested in understanding genomics advances in diagnostics, medical/E-Health technologies, and the full spectrum of therapeutics (from personalized oncologic drug regimens, to COVID vaccines, to emerging gene therapies), it is important also to understand – at least at fundamental levels – the multiple disciplines and advances comprising genomics today. We offer a basic summary in Section II. We also provide at Appendix 1, a glossary of terms for those wanting a better handle on where genomics is heading, and how gene-related innovations are evolving for MedTech, E-Health, therapeutics, and health generally.

While this domain of science and medicine historically has come principally from high-income countries, other countries such as China and Russia have entered the genomics revolution, and we are now beginning to see research and innovation efforts emerge in geographies like India and Africa as well. The genomics ecosystem of India (Section III) is important to understand, since its population architecture and evolution have led to a highly differentiated genetic population and genetic disease burden profile. These genetic profiles are important not just to India, but to global health, particularly for populations of Indian descent.

Although India is only beginning to understand the genetic profile of its population, it has come to the conclusion that broader India-centric genomic data are needed at both the population and individual levels, if diseases such as inherited disorders (the totality of which comprise a uniquely high disease burden) and cancers, can be managed and better controlled. One compelling “case study” of Indian-based genomics needs, is cancers in Indian women (Section IV of this report). Challenges remain at the research level, however, and we itemize some of the principal challenges in Section V.

Although India is behind other areas of the world in understanding researching, and interpreting its human genome, the country is now beginning to benefit from greater initiatives at the government level, and greater focus and attention from the private sector, discussed at length in Section VI. As we have shown with other portfolio companies, Indian-based entrepreneurs are highly adept at translating global technology advances to the needs of their low-resource populations. While still in relatively early stages, certain Indian-based genomics innovators are beginning to provide examples of interesting, impactful technology. To better highlight this point, we provide at Appendix 2, two tables of Indian-based companies that are engaging in activities relating to genomics. The first is a summary version of companies, categorized by their areas of focus, and the second is more detailed.

While the purpose of this report is not to draw a conclusion on the investability of Indian-based genomics companies, it does conclude that India-based companies are essential to understanding and advancing the highly differentiated India human genome, and translating those findings for health applications. This report also concludes that, while at present behind the global curve in genomics, as with other areas of healthcare, India has demonstrated its ability to jump-start and accelerate advancements in this area. These efforts may in the coming few years bring leapfrog genomics technology, not just for India, but potentially for the rest of the world.

Please email c.haynes@teamfundhealth.org to request access to the full report.

Footnotes

FN1 The audience for this paper are those that know relatively little about the genomics field and where it is going, and want to become familiar with some of its general concepts and developments in order to better understand the innovation landscape. It is not intended for those seeking greater understanding of the complexities and multiple disciplines that comprise this area of research.