Billionaire Mukesh Ambani is looking to make inroads into genetic mapping that could be useful in revealing the user’s predisposition to certain diseases and ailments like cancers, neuro-degenerative ailments, cardiac risks and so on. Reliance Industries will roll out a comprehensive Rs 12,000 genome sequencing test, developed by Strand Life Sciences.
According to Ramesh Hariharan, CEO of Strand Life Sciences Pvt, who created the product, the energy-to-ecommerce giant would launch a thorough 12,000 rupee ($145) genome sequencing test in the coming weeks. The Bengaluru-based company was purchased by Reliance Industries Ltd. in 2021, and the company -- led by Asia's richest person --now owns around 80% of it.
The genome test can disclose a person's propensity for malignancies, cardiac and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as identify inherited genetic problems, he said. It is also around 86% less expensive than other options accessible locally.
The initiative to make personal gene-mapping accessible to India's 1.4 billion citizens, who are on track to become the world's most populated country, may produce a wealth of biological information that may help with the region's medication development and illness prevention. It also fits in with Ambani's plans to expand his data-related endeavours, which he has frequently referred to as the "new oil," as he transitions his USD 192 billion business from the refining industry to consumer and digital services.
The genomic profile will be the least expensive in the world, said Hariharan, who also co-founded Strand Life Sciences. We're starting at a high price point to encourage adoption since it will offer us an opportunity to establish a successful business in preventative healthcare.
A lot of the consumer interest in the US is around tracing one’s ancestry or characteristics such as hair texture, athleticism, propensity to become obese. The longer-term business model revolves around preventive health care.
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